This is the original cigar factory built by Vicente Martinez Ybor in 1886. Ybor brought cigar-making to Tampa in 1885 after growing tired of labor unrest at his factory in Key West, Florida. He bought 40 acres of land northeast of Tampa and took advantage of the area's port and later the railroad. It was the beginning of Ybor City's meteoric rise to prominence as the Cigar Capital of the World. Today, it is part of a complex called Ybor Square which contains offices and a restaurant. Cuban patriot and hero Jose Marti came to Tampa in 1891 and in his speeches to the Cuban community rallied support of his homeland’s independence from Spain. His speech on the steps of this factory helped raise money and gained strong support for the cause. The small park dedicated to Jose Marti, that I featured HERE, is directly across the street.
15 comments:
History everywhere.
Gorgeous B&W!!
Have a nice week
Anna
Nicely done, Frank. I always enjoy your historical comments (well, sometimes hysterical comments), as well as your photos.
It seems that the building probably doesn't look much different than it did in 1886?
Well written Frank. This is how the rest of us learn a little about the place you live. Nice choice for Monochrome Weekly.
I always hesitate to add too much history so thank you for letting me know that it adds to my photographs. ( I love history!)
The buiilding looks almost identical to when it was built as do the ones right around it. Perfect restorations and upkeep over the years.
You add as much history as you like. Really puts such a fine building as this in context. Terrific timeless image
This historic building is a perfect fit for B&W.
What a great building, old and so pretty..., specially when you also tell ous the story abour it!!
Love it!
I like history, too. That is an interesting place to see and learn about. Where else would I find out about the Cigar Capital of World? Too cool!
A wonderful choice for black and white Frank!
Magnificent old building .. nice shot
Timeless photo, great capture :-)
Very good choice for B&W, great shot and interesting story.
its great. i think the company has gain such a popularity that no one knows that it is so historic. i always like to buy cigars of this company.
I've been investigating about the whole story about Ybor, because I'm a journalist and I'm going to redact a article about him, so I think this blog can be a good help for it, but I would like to know more about the hiring employing of Cubans in his business. If you can add something else, I will appreciate it. 23jj
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