Capitalization

We know when words need to be capitalized--the first word in the sentence, proper names (e.e. cummings is the exception), place names, etc., but other times . . . well, we need to be careful, or what we're writing will sound like something out of Milne. Milne is one of my favorite authors, but his capitalization conventions fit his work, not just anything, as in the following examples--

"Today, there are many historic sites and structures that serve as a lasting reminder of that terrible time on our Nation's history."

Why would the word nation be capitalized? It's not a proper noun.
Correct to Today, there are many historic sites and structure that serve as a lasting reminder of that terrible time in our nation's history.
The readers need to focus on the subject of the sentence, not be distracted by unnecessary capitalization.

"Both Confederate and Union Forces used it as a hospital during the War Between the States."
Why capitalize the word forces? The word isn't part of the name of either of the armies.
Correct to Both Confederate and Union forces used it as a hospital during the War Between the States.

"During the Civil War the town was burned, had a visit by U.S. General William Sherman, and was the site of the largest cavalry force ever amassed in the Western Hemisphere."
Again, why the capitalization? The sentence is just referring to a region.
Correct to During the Civil War the town was burned, had a visit by U.S. General William Sherman, and was the site of the largest cavalry force ever amassed in the western hemisphere.

"The University of North Alabama was established in 1830, and is Located in the heart of Downtown Florence."
I'm assuming Located is a typo. The word downtown should not be capitalized unless it is part of the name of a specific historic district, which it is not, or at least that is not indicated in the brochure.
Correct to The University of North Alabama was established in 1830, and is located in the heart of downtown Florence.