As the country gears up for America 250 celebrations, attendees of the musical "1776" find optimism as war, politics and division plague nation. WASHINGTON — Among 250 years of American history, the year 1776 stands out as one of the most important. That's the year the American colonies formally declared independence from Great Britain —creating the United States. The Tony Award-winning musical "1776" is playing at the historic Ford's Theatre in downtown D.C. until May 16.