Answer: The two words are often used interchangably, but really shouldn't be. In general, something that is 'historical' is something that occured in the distant past. Something that is 'historic' is something (usually an event) which is bound to be remembered for a long time. For example, Barack Obama's election to the US presidency is 'historic' because he is the first African American elected. His election will eventually be 'historical' because it will be something that happened in the nation's history.