2026: A year of milestones

This year not only marks 170 years of the Folsom Telegraph delivering informative news to the community; 2026 also marks the country's 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence. The Declaration of Independence was adopted by the Continental Congress on July 4, 1776, and allowed the 13 American colonies to sever political connections to Great Britain. According to the Office of the Historian, the colonists were able to declare themselves as an independent nation and to confirm an alliance with the Government of France in the war against Great Britain. "With a single sheet of parchment and 56 signatures, America began the greatest political journey in human history," President Donald Trump said of America's 250th anniversary. To celebrate the country's semiquincentennial, America250, the nonpartisan organization charged by Congress to engage the country's 350 million Americans to celebrate the nation's anniversary, is encouraging citizens to participate by reflecting on the past, strengthening the love of the country and renewing commitments to the ideals of democracy. According to America250.org, the semiquincentennial is expected to spark life in communities nationwide from July 1-5, with signature events in New York City, Philadelphia, North Dakota and California. From now until July 4, American citizens are also encouraged to celebrate in various ways to include participating in volunteer opportunities, reading challenges and walking 250 miles by July 4. Other celebrations throughout the nation, including virtual events, can be found at America250.org/calendar. "America's 250th anniversary is about more than reflecting on our past, it's about honoring the contributions of individuals who built this country, the innovations that put this country on the map and a man on the moon, and imagining what the next 250 years might look like for our children and the generations to come," said Rosie Rios, chair of the U.S. Semiquincentennial Commission. Another celebration, beginning July 4 in California and ending Thanksgiving Day in Delaware, is the American Discovery 250 Relay. Residents will have the chance to cheer on relay athletes locally in the beginning stages of the relay. Around July 10, the relay is expected to pass through the northwestern side of Folsom Lake in the Folsom Lake State Recreation Area. According to the Discovery Trail website, the trail follows the American River Bikeway after leaving the Pioneer Express Trail and will pass the Folsom Dam, Folsom Prison, historic bridge across Lake Natoma to Old Town Folsom, Lake Natoma, Nimbus Dam and the Nimbus Fish Hatchery. More information on the relay can be found at discoverytrail.org/america-250-relay. Whether you're celebrating 170 years of community news or 250 years of America, 2026 marks milestones locally and across the nation.