Charles Sydney Smith (October 4, 1828 – August 12, 1907) was 16th mayor of Providence, Rhode Island, in office between 1889 and 1891.

[1] He returned to Rhode Island, eventually working for Sackett, Davis, & Co, jewelers on Richmond Street in Providence.

[3] In September 1861, after the start of the Civil War, Smith joined the 4th Rhode Island Infantry,[2] where he became First lieutenant and quartermaster under General Parke.

[1] He took part in Burnside's North Carolina Expedition and participated in the battles of Roanoke, New Bern, and Fort Macon.

[1] His efforts to bring law and order to Providence resulted in his defeat for re-election by a "tolerant electorate [which was] inclined to look the other way.