John Peter Smith, often hailed as “the father of Fort Worth,” left an indelible mark on the landscape of North Texas. Born on September 16, 1831, in Owen County, Kentucky, his journey from orphaned youth to a prominent figure in Fort Worth’s development is a testament to his vision and dedication. While his contributions spanned various sectors, including law, business, and public service, one enduring legacy stands tall in the city’s heart: the John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. This institution, bearing his name, embodies his commitment to the well-being of the community he helped build.
Smith’s early life was marked by hardship. Orphaned at the age of seven along with his five brothers after the death of his parents, Samuel and Polly (Bond) Smith, he showed resilience from a young age. Raised under the guardianship of a cousin, W. H. Garnett, Smith prioritized education. He excelled in public schools and pursued higher learning at Franklin College in Indiana and Bethany College in Virginia, graduating with honors in mathematics and ancient languages in 1853.
Driven by a pioneering spirit, Smith arrived in Fort Worth in December 1853. Recognizing the nascent settlement’s potential, he quickly integrated himself into community life. In January 1854, demonstrating his proactive nature, Smith repurposed an abandoned army hospital, left behind by the Second United States Dragoons, into Fort Worth’s first school. Although his tenure as a schoolmaster was brief due to health issues, this initiative laid the groundwork for the Male and Female Academy, considered Fort Worth’s first permanent educational institution. This early endeavor highlights Smith’s commitment to community building from the very beginning of his Fort Worth story.
Transitioning from education, Smith embarked on a career as a surveyor and land locator in 1855. For five years, he traversed the land, gaining intimate knowledge of the region while simultaneously studying law under A. Y. Fowler. His legal acumen led to his admission to the bar in 1860 by District Judge Nathaniel M. Burford, further solidifying his role in the burgeoning community.
The onset of the Civil War in 1861 presented Smith with a moral dilemma. Despite opposing secession, when Texas joined the Confederacy, he demonstrated his commitment to his adopted state. He raised 120 men from Tarrant County, forming Company K of the Seventh Regiment of the Texas Cavalry under Col. William Steele. Serving in Sibley’s brigade, Smith participated in campaigns across New Mexico, Arizona, and Western Louisiana. He sustained serious injuries at Donaldsonville, Louisiana, in 1863 and was wounded again at Mansfield, Louisiana, in 1864. His bravery and leadership resulted in his promotion to colonel in 1864, commanding 600 soldiers until the regiment disbanded in 1865.
Returning to Fort Worth after the war, Smith seamlessly transitioned into law and real estate. In 1865, he owned 1,000 acres in Tarrant County, a testament to his early investments and foresight. His landholdings rapidly expanded, making him the largest landowner in Fort Worth by the early 1880s, with city lots valued at over $50,000 and thousands of acres of land. Smith’s influence extended beyond personal wealth accumulation. He actively championed Fort Worth’s growth, successfully advocating for the relocation of the county seat from Birdville.
Smith’s entrepreneurial spirit was instrumental in establishing key infrastructure for Fort Worth. He partnered in the Fort Worth Street Railway Company, launching the city’s first public transportation system. Recognizing the vital role of railroads, he promoted the Texas and Pacific Railway’s arrival in Fort Worth and generously donated to railroad expansion. In 1891, he was pivotal in constructing Fort Worth’s first stockyard, a cornerstone of the city’s economy. His support extended to cattle companies and young cattlemen, further solidifying his central role in the region’s economic development.
Public service was another significant facet of Smith’s life. Elected mayor of Fort Worth in 1882, he served six terms, spearheading the implementation of essential public services, including the city’s first water department. He championed education as a public official, contributing to the establishment of an independent school system and serving as a trustee on the first school board. His leadership extended to the Fort Worth Gas Light and Coal Company, where he served as president. Despite being urged to run for governor of Texas, Smith declined, preferring to focus on his local interests and Fort Worth’s progress.
John Peter Smith’s generosity profoundly shaped Fort Worth’s landscape. He donated land for crucial public amenities, including Oakwood, Calvary, and Trinity cemeteries, numerous parks, and churches. Crucially, his philanthropic contributions extended to healthcare, with land donations for hospitals, one of which proudly bears his name – John Peter Smith Hospital. This hospital stands as a lasting monument to his vision and commitment to the community’s well-being, providing essential medical services to generations of Fort Worth residents. John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, therefore, is not just a medical facility; it is a tangible representation of his dedication to the city’s prosperity and the health of its people.
Smith was a respected member of society, a charter member of the Fort Worth Masonic Lodge and a member of the Christian Church. He married Mary E. Fox, the widow of a Fort Worth physician, in 1867, and they had five children. His life was tragically cut short on April 11, 1901, in St. Louis, Missouri, while promoting Fort Worth. He succumbed to blood poisoning following a robbery and assault. He was laid to rest in Oakwood Cemetery in Fort Worth. The city honored his legacy with the John Peter Smith Monument near St. Patrick’s Cathedral, a marble bust on land he himself donated.
John Peter Smith’s legacy as “the father of Fort Worth” is multifaceted and enduring. His contributions to education, law, business, infrastructure, and public service shaped the city’s foundation. Among his most impactful and lasting contributions is undoubtedly the John Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas. This institution serves as a vital healthcare provider and a constant reminder of his profound dedication to the city and its inhabitants. The Peter Smith Hospital in Fort Worth, Texas, continues to serve the community, embodying the spirit of its namesake – a spirit of service, progress, and unwavering commitment to Fort Worth.
