Nathan Smith was born in Woodbury, Connecticut, and studied law, gaining admission to the bar in New Haven in 1792. He spent nearly two decades as a prosecuting attorney for New Haven County and held a position as United States Attorney for Connecticut. Smith received an honorary master's degree from Yale in 1808 and served as a United States Senator from Connecticut. Throughout his career, he was involved in various roles, including a delegate to the State constitutional convention and an unsuccessful candidate for governor.

Nathan Smith's political identity is marked by an intriguing blend of support for protective tariffs and a national bank, suggesting a nuanced approach to economic policy. His advocacy for a strong federal government contrasts with his backing of localized educational funding, revealing a tension between national unity and regional interests. Smith's legislative record shows an unexpected convergence with opposing factions on environmental regulations, revealing a highly calculated approach to protecting regional industrial interests. His dual roles as a National Republican and a pragmatic advocate for state-funded education hint at an ideologically agile stance.