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Hardtack, often referred to as a ship's biscuit, has seen various iterations throughout its storied history, especially during the 19th century. Interestingly, the hardtack soldiers consumed during the Civil War was typically square-shaped and designed for easier transport, in contrast to the round ship's biscuits that were packed in barrels. The composition of hardtack is strikingly simple—made mainly from flour and water, sometimes with a pinch of salt, these biscuits are crafted to be rock hard, capable of lasting for years.