Historical Significance of ‘Cigar Capital of the World’ in Florida - Tripiflights

Thinking of heading towards the vibrant and entertaining land of Tampa is a pretty good idea. This is a city well-infused with amusement parks, scientific museums, nightlife, clubs, botanical gardens, markets, and a whole lot of family-friendly activities sure to bring a maximum range of leisure pleasure. 

However, if you like to explore the real Tampa especially using the rental car at Tampa Airport service, then you need to visit its northeast downtown area popularly known as Ybor City. This is a pioneer historical district and a national landmark of Tampa city which ideally infused with Cigar history that dates back to World War 1 time. 

Checking Out the Historical Background of Ybor City in Tampa 

The Present Condition 

As already mentioned, Ybor city is a small historic district which is in the northeast downtown area of Tampa popularly known as ‘Cigar Capital of the World’. Today the district is well-infused with more than 950 historical buildings, pathways, and the famous 7th Avenue Commercial Strip. The street displays the best of Cuban, European, and Asian culture with the advent of diverse settlers over there. 

The Early Phase of Ybor City 

Taking historic factor of the city into concern, it was the latter part of the 19th century, when huge tariff levied on the American Cigars, and there was political unrest in Cuba. At that time, Vicente Martinez eYbor started the manufacturing of cigars in that area itself with the brand name as, “Prince of Wales”. 

Later, Vincente Martinez Ybor moved all the cigar factories to the United States during the period of 1860. First, it moved to Key West and then to New York City. The thing to notice is that factories were well-settled in the US, while imported tobacco imported from Cuba and hired workers over there. Later, Ybor made a partnership deal with Ignacio Haya, a friend and peer of his own and started running the cigar manufacturing factories near Tampa, Florida. 

The Rise and the Fall of Cigar Capital of the World 

Vincente Martinez along with the partnership of Ignacio Haya witnessed the rising persona of cigar industries in Tampa where the humid climate and close proximity to Cuba appear to be the best combination. During the period of 1887 and 1980, the cigar industry flourished in Tampa along with the population of the city. By the period of 1900, Tampa’s cigar industry was on its peak that was best meant to manufacture hand-rolled cigars. Until the period of World War II, when the industry finally declined. At present, travelers can have a close look at a fine and appealing district making the best out of the rental car at Tampa Airport service.