Civil War | smithsonianmag.comhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/rss/tag/civil-war/RSS feed for Civil WarenTue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000We’ve Been Strapping Cargo to Our Backs for Millions of Years, but Backpack Innovation Really Took Off Around the Civil Warhttps://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/weve-been-strapping-cargo-backs-millions-years-backpack-innovation-took-off-around-civil-war-180989280/Discover the origin story for an accessory being comfortably lugged by nearly every hiker and student, with about 450 million sold each yearTue, 01 Sep 2026 12:00:00 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/innovation/weve-been-strapping-cargo-backs-millions-years-backpack-innovation-took-off-around-civil-war-180989280/A Historic Alabama Hotel Linked to the Civil Rights Movement Is Falling Apart. Can the Conservationists Fighting to Save It Turn the Tide?https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/historic-alabama-hotel-linked-civil-rights-movement-is-falling-apart-can-conservationists-fighting-to-save-it-turn-the-tide-180989407/Selma's Edistone Hotel has witnessed pivotal chapters in American history, from Reconstruction to "Bloody Sunday." Now, after years of neglect and a recent wall collapse, the Conservation Fund is working to secure its futureThu, 27 Aug 2026 18:35:02 +0000https://www.smithsonianmag.com/smart-news/historic-alabama-hotel-linked-civil-rights-movement-is-falling-apart-can-conservationists-fighting-to-save-it-turn-the-tide-180989407/