John Peter Smith, widely recognized as “the father of Fort Worth,” left an indelible mark on the city’s landscape. Born on September 16, 1831, in Owen County, Kentucky, his journey from orphaned youth to a pivotal figure in Texas history is a testament to his vision and dedication. While his contributions spanned various sectors, from law and politics to real estate and infrastructure, one enduring legacy stands as a beacon of community health and wellness: the John Peter Smith Hospital. This institution, bearing his name, embodies his philanthropic spirit and commitment to the burgeoning city he helped shape.
Smith’s early life was marked by hardship. Orphaned at the age of seven, he was raised by a cousin, W. H. Garnett, and received a strong education, attending Franklin College in Indiana and graduating with honors from Bethany College in Virginia in 1853. His ambition led him to Texas, and by December 1853, he arrived in Fort Worth, a frontier settlement where he saw immense potential.
His first significant contribution to Fort Worth was in education. In January 1854, Smith acquired an abandoned army hospital, left behind by the Second United States Dragoons. This building became the site of the city’s first school. Though his tenure as a schoolmaster was brief due to health issues, this initial endeavor paved the way for the Male and Female Academy, Fort Worth’s first permanent educational institution. This early use of a former hospital building foreshadows his later association with healthcare in the city.
However, Smith’s career soon shifted. He transitioned to surveying and land locating in 1855, while simultaneously studying law. Admitted to the bar in 1860, he was on the cusp of a legal career when the Civil War erupted. Despite opposing secession, Smith wholeheartedly supported the Confederacy once Texas joined. He raised 120 men from Tarrant County, forming Company K of the Seventh Regiment of the Texas Cavalry. His service in Sibley’s brigade saw him in campaigns across New Mexico, Arizona, and Louisiana, where he sustained serious injuries. By 1864, he rose to the rank of colonel, commanding 600 soldiers until the war’s end.
Returning to Fort Worth after the war, Smith embarked on a successful career in law and real estate. His land holdings expanded rapidly, making him one of Fort Worth’s largest landowners. Crucially, Smith understood that true prosperity was intertwined with community development. He championed the relocation of the county seat to Fort Worth, invested in crucial infrastructure like the Fort Worth Street Railway Company (the city’s first public transport) and the Texas and Pacific Railroad, and played a key role in establishing Fort Worth’s first stockyard in 1891. These ventures laid the foundation for Fort Worth’s economic growth and solidified Smith’s reputation as a visionary leader.
Public service was another facet of John Peter Smith’s commitment to Fort Worth. Elected mayor in 1882, he served six terms, spearheading the establishment of vital public services, including the city’s first water department and an independent school system. His dedication to education extended beyond his early schoolhouse, as he served as a trustee on the first school board.
Amidst his numerous achievements, Smith’s philanthropic endeavors stand out. He generously donated land for cemeteries (Oakwood, Calvary, and Trinity), parks, and churches. Among these significant donations was land for hospitals, culminating in one bearing his own name: John Peter Smith Hospital. This act of endowing land for healthcare facilities underscores his deep concern for the well-being of Fort Worth’s citizens. The John Peter Smith Hospital, therefore, is not merely a name; it is a symbol of his enduring commitment to the city’s health and progress.
John Peter Smith’s impact on Fort Worth is undeniable. From education and infrastructure to public service and philanthropy, his contributions shaped the city’s trajectory. His death on April 11, 1901, while promoting Fort Worth, was mourned deeply by the community. The John Peter Smith Monument, erected in the heart of the city, serves as a permanent reminder of his legacy. However, perhaps the most impactful and lasting tribute is the John Peter Smith Hospital. It stands as a testament to his vision, generosity, and enduring dedication to the people of Fort Worth, ensuring that his name remains synonymous with the city’s growth and well-being for generations to come.
