Updated 1/28/2017. Digital edition now includes events of 2016. A timeline of historic events from the 1500's to the present day in American history, categorized by decade and year brought to you by the staff at America's Best History at americasbesthistory.com . Quick and easy to search reference guide enumerating the most important events of each year for students or anyone who wants to keep american history in context and how it unfolded at their fingertips.