In 1966, the U.S. Congress created the American Revolution Bicentennial Commission to celebrate the 200th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence on July 4, 1976. What was intended to be a single city celebration, in either Philadelphia or Boston, evolved in 1973 into the American Revolution Bicentennial Administration (ARBA). The Bicentennial Administration was in charge of creating and coordinating events throughout the country.

For its part, West Georgia College sought to develop a multifaceted celebration that would communicate a sense of America’s heritage and values, demonstrate that this is a nation of Achievers, and also improve quality of life for those on campus. Using Bicentennial Administration grant funds, the College began refurbishment of the Sharpe-Gunn-Bonner House, so that it could eventually be used as a welcome center for campus. The campus Bicentennial celebration committee sought and attained status for the college as a Bicentennial Campus. The campus Bicentennial celebration committee worked with The West Georgian to reprint 24 articles from a “Course by Newspaper” about how to celebrate the Bicentennial, and additional articles were requested of state, local and campus leaders as well. These were published throughout the year prior to July 4, 1976. Departments within West Georgia College proposed and planned events such as a symposium, musical events, museum displays, and educational events for local public school children. A Bicentennial Campus Ceremony took place on March 11, 1976, that included performances by the West Georgia College Choir; remarks by Dr. John Ferling, WGC Bicentennial Director; and Dr. Maurice Townsend, President of WGC. A series of “Bicentennial Dialogues” were scheduled as well, in which members of state and local government were engaged in dialogue with audience members. The campus was invited to participate in the state-wide ringing of bells at 2:00 on July 4th, 1976.