American History: Did You Know? Civil war conflict still undecided between city ham and country ham

In the American Civil War, the Northern and Southern states were divided sharply along what is now known as the "Waffle House Line."

The grease and saturated fat along this dangerous line cut many lives short, and divided many families in a debate over the moral implications of free access to a depressing breakfast 24 hours a day.

And to make matters worse, a battle is reenacted in your mind every time the Waffle House waitress asks which you prefer with your eggs- city ham or country ham?

In wartime, the answer to this question was used to identify spies.

Nowadays, the questions is more about the fat content of the pork, but you can still relive the drama of the Civil War with your own choice the next time it is your turn to choose sides in a centuries old conflict.

And remember, in course of your travels across the U.S.: when you cross over the Waffle House Line, the smell of cooked grease will let you know you are back in the Southland.