Key West in Monroe County, Florida — The American South (South Atlantic)

The Martinez Havana Company Factory

— Circa 1909 —

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

1. The Martinez Havana Company Factory Marker

Inscription. Built by Don Luis Martinez as a hurricane proof cigar factory after the hurricane of 1909. It was the home of Flor de Luis Martinez, the only remaining Key West cigar brand still in production Tampa's Santaella Company produced cigars here from 1919-1935. The building is only one of three masonry cigar factories still remaining in what was once the cigar Capital of the United States.

Erected by Key West Historic Marker. (Marker Number 15.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1909.

Location. 24° 33.365′ N, 81° 46.757′ W. Marker is in Key West, Florida, in Monroe County. It is at the intersection of 2nd Street and Staples Ave, on the right when traveling north on 2nd Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2010 Staples Ave, Key West FL 33040, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on the Florida Keys.

It is also in the American South

and on the Gulf Coast.

Globally, it is in the North Atlantic Region,

North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

Paid Advertisement

Click or scan to see
this page online

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Indian Block (within shouting distance of this marker); Salt Production (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Blue Freedom (approx. 0.3 miles away); Nyad (approx. half a mile away); José Martí Monument (approx. half a mile away); Bruce Hall (approx. 0.6 miles away); Eloy Angel Rodriguez (approx. 0.6 miles away); Dedicated to All Women Veterans (approx. 0.6 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Key West.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

2. The Martinez Havana Company Factory Marker

The marker is located along the fence in the bushes at the front of the building.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

3. The Martinez Havana Company Factory Marker

The front view of the building.

Photographed by James Hulse, January 13, 2026

4. The Martinez Havana Company Factory Marker

The side view of the building.

Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2026. It was originally submitted on February 6, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas. This page has been viewed 51 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on February 7, 2026, by James Hulse of Medina, Texas.