This was the first time since 1860 that a presidential election was held in the state due to its secession, the American Civil War, and Reconstruction. This was one of only two times in the 19th century that Arkansas backed a Republican candidate; the party would carry it once more in the next election, before waiting 100 years, until 1972, to win it again. This was also the last time until 1980 that the state backed a non-incumbent Republican.