At the outbreak of hostilities between the north and south, Arkansas began raising troops to serve in the Confederate Army.

Borland, who was at the time serving as a state militia commander for Northern Arkansas, was initially named a Colonel of the regiment.

The regiment was dismounted when it fought at the Battle of Corinth, Mississippi, then was remounted and assigned to General Armstrong's and T. Harrison's Brigade.

[6] The 3d Arkansas Cavalry served under Major-General “Fighting Joe” Wheeler in the Confederate Army of Mississippi for much of the war.

The unit was involved in the following engagements:[2] The 3d Arkansas Cavalry surrendered with the Army of Tennessee at Durham Station, Orange County, North Carolina, April 26, 1865.

[3] Collier, Calvin L. The War Child's Children: The Story of the Third Regiment, Arkansas Cavalry; Confederate States Army.