Marcus Aurelius Smith

Marcus Aurelius Smith served as a Senator from Arizona in the United States Congress from 1887 to 1921. A member of the Democratic Party, Marcus Aurelius Smith contributed to the legislative process during 10 terms in office.

Marcus Aurelius Smith’s service in Congress occurred during a significant period in American history. As a member of the Senate, Marcus Aurelius Smith participated in the democratic process and represented the interests of constituents.

Marcus Aurelius Smith (January 24, 1851 – April 7, 1924) was an American attorney and politician who served eight terms as Arizona Territorial Delegate to Congress and as one of the first two Senators from Arizona. As a Delegate, he was a leader in the effort to gain statehood for Arizona. His non-voting status, however, minimized his influence with only 35 of the 277 bills he introduced into the House of Representatives being signed into law. Lack of a voice in the United States Senate further weakened his efforts as he managed to get Arizona statehood bills passed by the House only to see the legislation blocked in the Senate. Beyond his efforts for statehood, Smith worked to have government buildings constructed and to provide relief to his constituents affected by either man-made or natural misfortunes. His efforts to provide relief to the citizens of Arizona did not extend to the indigenous population, for whom Smith expressed great animosity. Smith was a dedicated conservative for most of his political career. This changed following his electoral defeat in 1908. As Smith campaigned to become one of Arizona’s first two senators he became a progressive. In this new role, he was a firm supporter of Woodrow Wilson’s New Freedom initiatives.