[Burkeman1]

Another side note of history? The first state that first seriously considered secession from the Union was?

Massachusetts in 1814.

Later Massachusetts was most likely the leading nation (oops- state) to insist on crushing the secession of the Southern states.

[Ditto]

Another side note of history? The first state that first seriously considered secession from the Union was?

If you are talking about the Hartford Convention, you have got to modify the word "seriously". A handful of radical delegates proposed secession in reaction to Madison's and Congress' war policies that were absolutely disastrous for New England --- far worse than any complaint than the south had in 1860 --- but the vast majority of delegates soundly rejected that idea and instead developed several proposed amendments to the constitution to address their concerns. The war ended before the the proposed amendments could be presented to congress.

If only the there had been as many level-headed people in the south in 1860.