Thomas Adams Smith was an American military officer and, later, a government official, in the first half of the 19th century.

It is unclear whether patronage was involved but Smith, now an experienced officer, was promoted to captain in the Regiment of Riflemen on May 3, 1808.

When Lieutenant Colonel William Duane proved unequal to the task of being second in command of the Regiment of Riflemen, Smith was promoted to lieutenant colonel on July 31, 1810, and replaced Duane; he was promoted over John Fuller, the major in the regiment, who left the Army.

Smith attempted a siege of St. Augustine, Florida, but his supply lines were not secure and the Spanish garrison of Castillo de San Marcos threatened his command.

In September 1814, Smith's brigade, including elements of the Regiment of Riflemen, proceeded to join forces operating near Niagara, New York.

Smith was retained but reverted, on May 17, 1815, to his earlier rank of colonel; however, he was concurrently brevetted as a brigadier general postdated to January 24, 1814, the date of his wartime promotion.

After a few years, the Army abandoned the installation, but the city of Fort Smith remained, and continued to grow.

John O'Fallon, formerly a captain in the Regiment of Riflemen and now a prominent businessman in St. Louis successfully pleaded his case and Smith was appointed to the position.

In 1829, Smith resigned his position as receiver and moved with his family to the house he had built on the farm, becoming a full-time farmer.