Preston Smith facts for kids

Preston Smith is a name shared by several interesting people and even a place! When you see this name, it can sometimes be tricky to know who or what is being talked about. This page will help you learn about some of the notable people and places named Preston Smith.

Who is Preston Smith?

The name Preston Smith has been held by different individuals who have made their mark in various fields, from sports to politics and music. It also refers to a major airport. Let's explore some of them.

Preston Smith: Governor of Texas

Preston Smith (1912–2003) was an important political leader in the state of Texas. He served as the Governor of Texas from 1969 to 1973.

What Does a Governor Do?

A governor is like the chief executive officer of a state. They are elected by the people to lead the state government. Their job includes making sure laws are followed, managing the state's budget, and representing the state to the rest of the country. Governors work to improve things like education, roads, and public safety for everyone in their state.

Governor Smith's Time in Office

During his time as governor, Preston Smith focused on improving education and transportation in Texas. He worked to make sure schools had the resources they needed and helped develop better roads and highways across the state.

Preston Smith: American Football Star

Preston Smith (born 1992) is a well-known American football player. He plays as a defensive end in the National Football League (NFL).

What is a Defensive End?

In American football, a defensive end is a player on the defensive team. Their main job is to rush the opposing team's quarterback and stop running plays. They are often very strong and fast athletes who play a key role in stopping the other team from scoring.

Preston Smith's Career

Preston Smith has played for professional football teams, showing his skills as a defensive player. He is known for his ability to pressure quarterbacks and make important tackles during games.

Preston Smith: Civil War General

Preston Smith (1823–1863) was a military leader during the American Civil War. He served as a Confederate general in the war.

What Was the Civil War?

The American Civil War (1861–1865) was a major conflict in the United States. It was fought between the Northern states (the Union) and the Southern states (the Confederacy). The war was mainly about slavery and states' rights.

General Smith's Role

General Preston Smith led soldiers in several important battles during the Civil War. He was a brave leader who fought for the Confederate side until his death in battle.

Preston Smith: Other Notable People

• Preston Smith (American football coach) (1871–1945): He was a football coach at Colgate University, helping to train young athletes.
• Preston Smith (Georgia state politician): He served as a state senator in Georgia from 2002 to 2011, helping to create laws for his state.
• Preston Smith (musician): He is a singer and songwriter from Houston, Texas, known for creating music.

Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport

The name Preston Smith is also used for a major airport in Texas. The Lubbock Preston Smith International Airport is located in Lubbock, Texas, USA. This airport helps people travel by air, connecting Lubbock to other cities and countries. It was named in honor of Governor Preston Smith.