Smith’s Pharmacy was opened by Dr. Charles C. Smith in 1946 as the first African American–owned pharmacy in the city of Newport News. Smith was a very influential member of the community, as he allowed aspiring Black students to experience the pharmaceutical career through externships in his store. He also inspired and encouraged his patrons and employees to continue their education and to register to vote. Smith’s Pharmacy became a community center on Sundays where families would gather after church to interact, and indulge in some ice cream. The architectural integrity of the structure remained as it did in its days of prominence under its original owner at the time of its listing in the registers. It was a virtual snapshot of 1946; the original counters, fixtures, and display cases remain inside. The Smith family operated the pharmacy since its beginning.