In 1854, Smith transformed an abandoned army hospital into Fort Worth’s first formal school. Although poor health limited his time as a teacher, the school became the city’s first permanent educational institution and laid the foundation for public education.
Smith donated land for cemeteries, parks, and churches, and served as both mayor and school board trustee. His leadership brought Fort Worth its first independent school district, water system, and street railway essential infrastructure for a growing city.
His most enduring contribution was the donation of land for a public hospital to serve residents unable to afford private care. Today, this institution is known as John Peter Smith Hospital (JPS Health Network), a cornerstone of healthcare in Tarrant County.