A powerful new statue now stands along Main Street in Lancaster, Ohio. It honors Scipio Smith, the city’s first Black business owner. This public tribute recognizes his courage, hard work, and lasting impact on the local community.
Smith, once enslaved in Virginia, built a successful tinsmith shop in the 1800s. His business sat just a short distance from where his statue now stands. Today, he’s remembered not only for his business but for the doors he opened for others.
A Statue That Tells a Story of Freedom and Determination
The new statue shows Smith holding an open shackle. Inscribed on it is the date he was emancipated. It’s a striking symbol of his escape from slavery and rise to respected businessman.
Michael Johnson, a local historian, helped bring Smith’s story to light. “That was his way of showing you can’t stop me, even this chain didn’t hold me down,” Johnson explained. “You can’t get much more of an underdog than being born a slave and losing your leg as a child.”
Johnson first learned about Smith through an old history book. From there, he dug deeper, uncovering a life filled with resilience and purpose.
From Freedom to Faith: Smith’s Role in Lancaster’s Black History
Four years after gaining his freedom, Smith helped establish Lancaster’s African Methodist Episcopal (AME) church. It still stands today as Allen Chapel. This church became a vital gathering place for the local Black community.
“To know he was right here, to know he was responsible for this church,” said Evan Saunders, Pastor of Allen Chapel. “You don’t even know the lives he’s touched, but yet here, 2025, we realize he’s touching a whole community with that, so his legacy still continues to live on.”
Smith didn’t stop with the church. Two years later, he opened his tinsmith shop. It quickly became a symbol of Black entrepreneurship in a time when opportunities were painfully rare.
A Legacy of Hard Work and Inspiration Lives On
Michael Johnson, deeply moved by Smith’s story, decided to honor him in a lasting way. He launched a fundraiser two years ago to build the statue that now stands proudly in Lancaster.
“For me, I think statues are celebrations. They are people we should be looking up to, the ideals they represent,” Johnson shared. “And Scipio, you can’t beat his work ethic, his faith, his tenacity, the ability to overcome unbelievable obstacles. You can’t beat that story.”
Smith’s achievements opened doors for other Black business owners in Lancaster. His example continues to inspire generations, reminding people of the power of determination.
Why Scipio Smith’s Story Still Matters in 2025
Though Smith lived in the 1800s, his story feels just as important today. His life shows how courage, community, and faith can reshape history.
The statue isn’t just a piece of public art. It’s a powerful message about what’s possible when people refuse to be held down. Lancaster now proudly honors one of its strongest, most inspiring figures.
As Pastor Saunders put it, “His legacy still continues to live on.” And now, everyone walking down Main Street can see it for themselves.
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