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

Founding of the Cigar Industry in Tampa

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008

1. Founding of the Cigar Industry in Tampa Marker

Inscription. In 1886 two cigar factories were completed at Tampa signaling the founding of the industry in the area. Pioneer manufacturer was Vincente Martinez Ybor, a native of Spain, who had made cigars at Havana and Key West. Ybor's move to Tampa was prompted by better transportation and favorable terms offered by Tampa's Board of Trade. Due to the efforts of Ybor and his associates, Tampa became a world tobacco manufacturing center.

Erected 1961 by Florida Board of Parks and Historic Memorials In Cooperation with Greater Tampa Chamber of Commerce. (Marker Number F-39.)

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce. A significant historical year for this entry is 1886.

Location. 27° 57.699′ N, 82° 26.659′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. It is in Ybor City. It is on North Avenida República de Cuba (14th Street) near East 9th Avenue, on the left when traveling north. Located in Ybor City Historic District of Tampa. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Tampa FL 33605, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is on Florida’s Tampa Bay.

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,

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: Cherokee Club and El Pasaje (a few steps from this marker); José Martí (a few steps from this marker); Attempt On The Life Of Jose Marti

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(within shouting distance of this marker); La Liga Patriotica de Instruccion (within shouting distance of this marker); Ybor City's First Fire Station (within shouting distance of this marker); El Circulo Cubano (within shouting distance of this marker); El Chino — Pajarito Restaurant (within shouting distance of this marker); La Casa de Pedroso (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

Another marker is no longer nearby. The Cherokee Club (was a few steps from this marker but has been permanently removed).

Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. Vicente Martinez Ybor Monument

Also see . . . Vicente Martinez Ybor. Wikipedia entry (Submitted on January 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina.)

Founding of the Cigar Industry In Tampa Marker At Ybor Square Marketplace image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, December 13, 2008

2. Founding of the Cigar Industry In Tampa Marker At Ybor Square Marketplace

Ybor Square, Tampa's Historic Marketplace image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008

3. Ybor Square, Tampa's Historic Marketplace

City Marketplace, site of many cigar stores in Tampa

Vicente Martinez Ybor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Centro Ybor Images

4. Vicente Martinez Ybor

Vincente Martinez Ybor Monument at Centro Ybor image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, 2008

5. Vincente Martinez Ybor Monument at Centro Ybor

Centered on the historically restored Centro Español building, Centro Ybor surrounds you with echoes of the past.

Arturo Fuente Cigars Building image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Mike Stroud, June 2008

6. Arturo Fuente Cigars Building

Credits. This page was last revised on July 28, 2024. It was originally submitted on January 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. This page has been viewed 3,205 times since then and 50 times this year. Last updated on June 9, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on January 4, 2009, by Mike Stroud of Bluffton, South Carolina. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.