Arkansas Peace Society facts for kids

The Arkansas Peace Society was a group of people in Arkansas who supported the United States during the American Civil War. Even though most people in Arkansas wanted to leave the U.S., these brave individuals wanted to stay loyal to the Union.

The Arkansas Peace Society

Standing Up for the Union

During the American Civil War, the state of Arkansas decided to leave the United States and join the Confederacy. This was called secession. However, not everyone in Arkansas agreed with this decision. Some people, especially in the northern parts of the state, wanted to remain loyal to the United States, also known as the Union.

What the Society Did

These Union supporters created the Arkansas Peace Society. Their main goal was to protect themselves. They wanted to avoid being forced to join the Confederate army, which was called "forced enlistment." They also wanted to prevent "impressment," which meant having their property or goods taken by the Confederate military. The society was a way for them to stand together and resist these actions.

What Happened Next

Sadly, the Arkansas Peace Society was eventually broken up by state troops. But even after the society was destroyed, many people in Arkansas continued to resist the Confederacy throughout the entire war. This shows how strong their loyalty to the Union was.

Arkansas's Role in the War

Arkansas had one of the smallest white populations among the states that joined the Confederacy. Yet, a surprising number of white Arkansans chose to fight for the Union. More white people from Arkansas joined the Union Army than from any other seceded state, except for Tennessee. This highlights the deep divisions and strong Union support that existed within Arkansas during the Civil War.