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

Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory

Photographed By AGS Media, July 8, 2010

1. Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory Marker

The marker is capped with the logo of the Tampa Historical Society.

Inscription. Emilio Pons, a pioneer Tampa cigar manufacturer, and an outstanding public servant, established the first cigar factory of local origin on this site in 1887.
Here on October 12, 1894, Jose Marti, the Cuban liberator, delivered his last Ybor City revolutionary speech from the readers' pulpit amidst the wild acclaim of the Cuban cigar-makers. The final words of his prophetic speech were: "We shall triumph! Their hammer blows will be met by a destructive file of steel."

Erected by The Tampa Historical Society.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Hispanic Americans • Industry & Commerce • Patriots & Patriotism. A significant historical month for this entry is October 1864.

Location. 27° 57.545′ N, 82° 26.425′ W. Marker is in Tampa, Florida, in Hillsborough County. Marker is on North 17th Street north of East 5th Avenue, on the right when traveling north. Marker is located in the grass between the street and sidewalk. It is directly across 17th Street from Jalapenos De Ybor, a Mexican restaurant. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1605 North 17th Street, 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. Orestes Ferrara (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); Site of First Ybor City Railroad Station

Paid Advertisement

Click on the ad for more information.
Please report objectionable advertising to the Editor.

Click or scan to see
this page online

(about 400 feet away); B.F. Marcos Building (about 500 feet away); L’Unione Italiana (about 500 feet away); Vicente Martinez-Ybor (about 600 feet away); Molly Ferrara (about 600 feet away); Centro Español de Tampa (about 600 feet away); Roland M. Manteiga (about 600 feet away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Tampa.

More about this marker. The marker is in the Historic Ybor neighborhood of Tampa, along the boundary of the Ybor City Historic District (a National Historic Landmark District).

Regarding Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory. Upon the site where Emilio Pons' cigar factory once stood there is now a modern industrial warehouse, the headquarters of Colombia Jobbing Co., a concessions/foodservice supplier.

Additional keywords. Ybor City Historic District

Photographed By AGS Media, July 8, 2010

2. Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory Marker

Mexican food is served across the street at "Jalapeños de Ybor" restaurant.

Photographed By AGS Media, July 8, 2010

3. Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory Marker

Looking south, to the corner of East 5th Avenue and North 17th Street

Photographed By AGS Media, July 8, 2010

4. Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory Marker

On the site of the old factory now stands a modern warehouse.

Photographed By AGS Media, July 8, 2010

5. Historic Emilio Pons Cigar Factory Marker

Looking north along North 17th Street

Credits. This page was last revised on August 15, 2017. It was originally submitted on July 9, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. This page has been viewed 2,000 times since then and 49 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5. submitted on July 9, 2010, by Glenn Sheffield of Tampa, Florida. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.