Segment from Best of BackStory

Flags of Our Forefathers

American Civil War Museum historian John Coski walks Ed Ayers through the evolution of the Confederate flag’s design—from the original “Stars and Bars” to the “rebel flag” we know today, and its long, twisty path to becoming a pop culture icon.

Nickled and Dimed

Ed talks with David Henkin about the earliest letter writers, and how they cheated the postage rates of the 1830s.

00:10:51

The Hamlet Fire

On September 3rd, 1991, a fire erupted at the Imperial Food Products chicken processing plant in Hamlet, North Carolina. The blaze and toxic smoke killed 25 people and injured dozens. Many of the employees tried to escape through the exits, but they were trapped because several of the doors were padlocked from the outside. 28 years later, Hamlet residents and former employees of the plant are still grappling with the painful memories. Producer Charlie Shelton-Ormond travels to Hamlet to learn more.

Music:

Sanctuary by Podington Bear

Respiration by Podington Bear

Memory Wind by Podington Bear

Bespoke by Todd Gauthreaux

00:22:12

Flags of Our Forefathers

00:16:13