The early war sentiments in Carroll County were conservative in nature. Many citizens in Northwest Arkansas held different political views than those of the deep South and the far North. The settlers coming to Carroll County prior to the war were mostly from Tennessee and Kentucky. Loyalties were to God, Family, and State at this time individuals held strong sentiments in the state's power to govern themselves. The debate over states’ rights had long been an issue since the founding of the United States Constitution. The role of slavery in Northwest Arkansas was small and in Carroll County less than 1/10th of a percent of the population owned slaves. Many of the residents shared a deep sentiment with the preservation of the Union but were sectional in their beliefs of the states' rights to self-governance. 

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 “My father as were most of the people in my section of the country was devotedly attached to the Union and had very pronounced views on the question of slavery; believing it was wrong, viewed from any standpoint. But when the struggle came, he was heart and soul for the country of his birth.” Joseph M. Bailey Carroll County Confederate Veteran

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The Arkansas house of representatives would approve measures for a secession convention in December of 1860. Carroll County would hold a vote on whom to send to Little Rock to represent Carroll County on the Secession Convention. William W. Watkins and Dr. B. H. Hobbs voiced their opinions to the people of Carroll to remain in the Union.  Secessionist candidates E. G Mitchell and Dr. Dijon were in favor of leaving the Union. When it came to a vote Carroll remained strong to the Union. Mitchell and Dr. Dijon were defeated by William Watkins and Dr. Hobbs with the vote being 1464 to 36 in support of the Unionist candidates. But when the time came Mr. Watkins and Dr. Hobbs were open to the discussion of secession. Dr. Hobbs lived in the Prairie Township in Carroll County in 1860. His total estate was valued at over 22,000 dollars at the time, in today’s money that would be around 700,000 dollars.

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As rumors of Federal troops invading Arkansas continued to linger, the newly elected Governor Rector requested the surrender of the Federal held arsenal in Little Rock to prevent a possible buildup of Federal troops. Shortly after on February 8th, 1861 A surrender was given by Captain Totten and his men, they left peacefully with no harm coming to anyone. February 18th, 1861 a further discussion on the issues of secession by the convention was approved but there still was the refusal of secession itself. March 4th, 1861 a convention was held to further discuss leaving the Union. The group was built of Unionists from around the state and on March 18th, 1861 Arkansas held its first vote on secession and it was defeated 39 to 35. Arkansas would remain loyal to the Union and the United States for now. By April 12th, 1861 Confederate forces would open fire on the South Carolina Fort, Fort Sumter that was occupied by Federal forces. After catching word that President Lincoln was looking to re-supply Fort Sumter and had no intention of surrender. P. G. T Beauregard of Louisiana would open fire on the installation and after 34 hours of an artillery duel, Major Anderson would surrender the fort. Neither side would sustain a single casualty during the battle. General Beauregard would take the fort and later be instrumental in the design of the Confederate Battle flag most commonly known today.  On April 15, 1861, President Lincoln would issue a call for 75,000 men to suppress the Southern insurrection.

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It was at this moment when many pro-union sentimentholding counties like Carroll County's stance on the Union completely changed. Carroll County was rattled by the threats of President Lincoln to send 75,000 troops to invade Arkansas. May 6th, 1861 the secession convention reconvened at the old state house and voted for the second time. Except for this time almost unanimously they voted for leaving the Union, only one member was opposed to leaving the Union. It was clear to many Carroll County residents the need for troops and Militias was now more important than ever to help with the protection of the newly independent state.