The bicentennial of the American Revolution in 1976 provided occasion for Americans to reflect upon the significance of their personal and collective pasts. The federal government encouraged community observations of the bicentennial and provided grants and other assistance to facilitate local celebrations.

The Eau Claire Area American Revolution Bicentennial Committee was created in 1975 for the sole purpose of organizing and coordinating events to celebrate the bicentennial. The Committee created three program committees (Heritage, Horizon, and Festival) and planned a wide variety of events throughout the 1976 calendar year. These included historic reenactments, lectures, concerts, town meetings, a rededication of Putnam Park and a dedication of the old city hall bell, and special events at the annual Sawdust City Days.