Scipio Smith Statue Unveiled in Lancaster, Ohio
Presented by Fairfield County Heritage Association to Honor Lancaster’s First Black Businessman
Scipio Smith
The statue is a life-size representation of Scipio Smith, a former slave who came to Lancaster as a boy in 1810 and received his full freedom on May 29, 1821. In 1825, he opened a church with a school attached, providing Black residents a place for both worship and education. In 1827, Scipio became the first Black businessman in Lancaster when he opened his own tinsmith shop.
His legacy has now been solidified in bronze by sculptor Alan Cottrill. The statue is true to Scipio’s actual height of six feet, four inches and depicts him with tinsmith tools, a cross around his neck, and a chain with an open shackle inscribed with the date of his emancipation. The statue also includes a wooden prosthetic leg, representing the one he wore after losing his leg in a childhood accident.
The statue was dedicated on May 29, 2025—204 years to the day after Scipio’s emancipation. The City of Lancaster honors his legacy every year on Scipio Smith Day, celebrated on May 29.
Location:
Next to Ohio Glass Museum
Lancaster, Ohio [MAP]
(Between the Ohio Glass Museum & The Columbian)
The statue is a life-size representation of Scipio Smith, a former slave who came to Lancaster as a boy in 1810 and received his full freedom on May 29, 1821. In 1825, he opened a church with a school attached, providing Black residents a place for both worship and education. In 1827, Scipio became the first Black businessman in Lancaster when he opened his own tinsmith shop.
His legacy has now been solidified in bronze by sculptor Alan Cottrill. The statue is true to Scipio’s actual height of six feet, four inches and depicts him with tinsmith tools, a cross around his neck, and a chain with an open shackle inscribed with the date of his emancipation. The statue also includes a wooden prosthetic leg, representing the one he wore after losing his leg in a childhood accident.
The statue was dedicated on May 29, 2025—204 years to the day after Scipio’s emancipation. The City of Lancaster honors his legacy every year on Scipio Smith Day, celebrated on May 29.
Location:
Next to Ohio Glass Museum
Lancaster, Ohio [MAP]
(Between the Ohio Glass Museum & The Columbian)
