City: Tampa   County: Hillsborough   Year: 1961
Location: Corner of 9th Avenue and 14th Street, Ybor City.

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.

"Interior view of the Cuesta Rey Cigar Company in Tampa, Florida," 1925

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