Tampa in Hillsborough County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

Site of First Ybor City Railroad Station

1887

Photographed By Tim Fillmon, June 21, 2021

1. Site of First Ybor City Railroad Station Marker after restoration

Inscription. The station of the Plant System was located here in the early days of this budding tobacco center. During the struggle for Cuban Independence Ybor City became a nest of insurgents. Through this station passed conspirators, spies, and many notable leaders of the Cuban Revolutionary Junta.

Jose Martí, the Liberator, arrived on his first historic visit the stormy night of November 25, 1891. He was met by a small band of patriots huddled together on the platform carrying lanterns to watch out for snakes and alligators.

Erected 1961 by Louis Wohl & Sons.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Patriots & Patriotism • Railroads & Streetcars. A significant historical date for this entry is November 25, 1891.

Location. 27° 57.579′ N, 82° 26.499′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is on North 16th Street north of East 6th Avenue, on the left when traveling south. The marker is located on the north side of the railroad tracks in the Ybor City Historic District. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Centro Español de Tampa (within shouting distance of this marker); Vicente Martinez-Ybor (within shouting distance of this marker); Molly Ferrara

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(within shouting distance of this marker); B.F. Marcos Building (within shouting distance of this marker); Roland M. Manteiga (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory (about 400 feet away); The Birth of Mutual Aid Societies in America (about 500 feet away); Orestes Ferrara (about 500 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

More about this marker. The marker is capped with the crest of the Ybor City Rotary Club. It was erected by Louis Wohl & Sons, Inc., a food service company which opened in Ybor City in 1897.

Regarding Site of First Ybor City Railroad Station. The trackage later became part of the Atlantic Coast Line “A-line” main, which remains in use today, owned by CSX.

Remembered as the “Apostle of Cuban Independence” for his tireless campaigns in support of Cuba's independence from Spain, José Martí's arrival by train from New York was cause for great excitement among local Cuban émigrés. Martí would eventually be honored with a nearby park named in his honor, and is named in several Ybor historical markers.