Leon Smith (naval commander)
Leon Smith | |
|---|---|
Leon Smith in uniform | |
| Nickname(s) | Lion Smith |
| Born | 1829 Portsmouth, New Hampshire, US |
| Died | 26 December 1869 (aged 39–40) Wrangell, Alaska, US |
| Buried | San Francisco or Houston, Texas |
| Allegiance | Republic of Texas (possibly) Confederate States |
| Branch | Republic of Texas Navy (possibly) Confederate naval volunteer |
| Years of service | 1847–1848 1861–1865 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Commands | Texas Marine Department |
| Battles / wars | American Civil War |
Leonidas R. Smith (1829 – December 26, 1869) was an American steamboat captain and soldier. In the American Civil War he served the Confederate States of America as a volunteer; he was named Commander of the Texas Marine Department under General John B. Magruder. Smith was involved in most major conflicts along the Texas coast during the war, and was described by war-time governor of Texas Francis Lubbock as "undoubtedly the ablest Confederate naval commander in the Gulf waters".