Ybor City Florida is a historic neighborhood northeast of Tampa. Ybor City was founded in 1886 by Vicente Martinez-Ybor. It is still known as the Cigar Capital of the World today. The last hand-rolled cigars were made in 2007 by the Martinez family. When they closed their factory, it signaled an end to an era of hand-rolled cigars in Ybor City. But why?
Ybor City is located in Tampa, FL
Ybor City is located in Tampa, FL. Tampa is the county seat of Hillsborough County, making it a popular destination for tourists worldwide. The city has a population of approximately 350,000 residents and covers an area of about 62 square miles (160 km2). It has been ranked by CNN Money as one of the best places to live in America for several years running.
The city was founded by cigar manufacturers who moved their operations from Key West when that area was devastated by a hurricane in 1871. Most people visit Ybor City during festivals or other special events such as Gasparilla Pirate Festival each March or Gasparilla Music Festival each April.
Ybor City is known as the Cigar Capital of the World
This Cuban influenced enclave is a historic district in Tampa, FL, known as the World’s Cigar Capital. Ybor City was founded in 1886 by Vicente Martinez-Ybor and his brother, who came from Spain to escape political turmoil. It wasn’t until 1831 that the first hand-rolled cigar was made here. Ybor City contributes to over 300 million cigars made each year and has experienced much growth since its inception.
The First Hand Rolled Cigar was made in 1831
The first hand-rolled cigar was made in 1831 by Jose L. Piedra, a Cuban-born cigar maker who developed the process of making cigars from beginning to end. His factory, La Corona, was the first ever operated in Cuba. Many cigar operations moved to Florida after the American Civil War. The numerous plantations in Florida were suitable for tobacco farming. The practice of making cigars spread to other parts of the world and became a booming industry as more people began smoking them for pleasure or for their health benefits (depending on which side you look at).
The trend continued in America: In 1867, Jose A. Martinez opened up La Norma Cigar Factory in Ybor City. He started with just eight rollers but was able to expand his operation within two years due to rising demand for hand-rolled cigars across Tampa Bay and beyond
Ybor City contributed to over 300 million cigars made each year.
In the early part of the 20th century, Ybor City was home to many cigar factories, including those owned by Vicente Martinez-Ybor and Ignacio Haya. Today, it’s still a hotbed for factory tours and tastings. And since it’s where some of these companies are headquartered, you’ll find plenty of cigar shops in Tampa Bay as well.
But perhaps most important to this city’s status as Cigar Capital USA is its culture: “Cigar aficionados” here can attend any number of events throughout the year—from charity events hosted by local clubs like The Cigar Society or Cigar Club Tampa Bay (the latter will even host your wedding reception if you so desire). And we couldn’t forget about HOF weekend itself! This annual celebration attracts thousands from around the country every year with activities like live music performances from artists like Lyle Lovett and Conan O’Brien.
So what makes Ybor City such a hub for tobacco enthusiasts? It all comes down to one thing: the atmosphere
The last hand-rolled cigars in Ybor City were made in 2007 by the Martinez family
The last hand-rolled cigars in Ybor City were made in 2007 by the Martinez family. The Martinez family, who is from Cuba, owned and operated their own cigar factory in the heart of Ybor City. In 2007, they made their last batch of cigars before shutting down operations permanently. Their factory was one of the last remaining cigar factories to close during this time period (most others had already shuttered by 2003).
The First Cigar factory was La Norma and was opened on November 11, 1886
In 1885, Vicente Martinez-Ybor opened the first cigar factory in Ybor City Florida. The factory was called La Norma, and it was located at 7th Ave and 18th St. This was just one year before the United States established a tariff wall around its borders, which made importing Cuban cigars very expensive in America. It quickly became apparent that if he wanted to sell his product successfully, he would need to expand his business beyond its simple roots as an importer of tobacco leaves from Cuba.
Vicente Martinez-Ybor founded Ybor City in 1886.
Vicente Martinez-Ybor founded Ybor City in 1886. He was born in Spain and came to Cuba with his family when he was 18. He helped his father with the tobacco business and eventually received U.S. citizenship, This allowed him to move to Tampa, Florida, where he founded the town of Ybor City.
In an interesting historical tidbit, Vicente Martinez-Ybor never actually set foot inside a cigar factory during his lifetime due to a lung disease that required him to remain outside of factories due to their thick smoke or fumes (which might have been linked with his death).
Famous people who lived or owned a cigar company were Marlin Brando, Jack Nicholson, and Mariah Carey.
Marlin Brando, Jack Nicholson, and Mariah Carey were famous people who lived in or owned a cigar company.
Marlin Brando was an actor who played in many famous movies. He was also an activist for Native American rights, civil rights, and environmental issues. Jack Nicholson is another famous actor known for his roles in Chinatown and One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, among others. Mariah Carey is a singer of international fame, having sold over 200 million records worldwide.
Cigars are still made around the world today.
You might be surprised to learn that cigars are still made worldwide today.
They’re made in many places, including Columbia and Cuba (though no longer in the US). Of course, not all cigars are alike. Some are flavored with fruit or chocolate, while others have names like The Oliva Connecticut Reserve or La Gloria Cubana Serie R Esteli Broadleaf Limited Edition. The list goes on and on.
Final Thoughts About Ybor City Florida
We hope you enjoyed this article. Cigars are still made around the world today, and Ybor City Florida is still considered the Cigar Capital of the USA. We encourage you to visit Tampa, FL, if you want to see firsthand how they make these cigars.
