August 12, 2024

When you think of Key West, you’re picturing stunning sunsets and laid-back island vibes that are close to perfect and far from normal. But did you know that the Southernmost City also has a deep-rooted history with cigars? Today, we will explore the history of Key West’s cigar industry, which has been a crucial part of its identity for nearly two centuries.

Photo Credit: Magnifico de Key West cigar box label. From the DeWolfe and Wood Collection, Florida Keys History Center.

The cigar industry in Key West started in 1831 with the first factory employing 50 workers. In the late 1860s, Cuban refugees brought their cigar-making expertise to the island, escaping the violence of their homeland's independence struggle. By the late 1800s, Key West had become a hub for large cigar factories, attracting names like Vincente Martinez Ybor, the E. H. Gato Company, and the Cortez Cigar Company.

Photo Credit: The Havana American Cigar Factory at Flagler and Second Street, circa 1912. Monroe County Library Collection, Florida Keys History Center.

These factories used premium tobacco from Cuba, employing thousands of residents to hand-roll millions of cigars each year. At its peak, the phrase “Key West” became synonymous with the world’s best cigars. However, the industry's prominence declined in the 1920s with the rise of cigarette popularity and the Great Depression. Despite this, one of the historic factory buildings still stands, such as the former E.H. Gato building, now housing Monroe County offices.

Today, visitors can still find locally rolled cigars in various shops, keeping the island's rich cigar heritage alive. One notable spot is Rodriguez Cigar Factory on Fitzpatrick Street in Old Town. As the oldest cigar company in the Florida Keys, this family-owned business started in Cuba in 1947 and continues to offer a wide selection of cigars. They also offer tours that discuss the historic cigar industry in Key West dating back to 1831 and the Rodriguez family story.

Whether you're a cigar enthusiast or just curious about Key West's history, exploring its cigar legacy is a fascinating experience. #lovethemarker

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