Ybor City was founded in 1886 when established cigar manufacturer Vicente Martinez Ybor purchased 40 acres 2 miles North of Tampa. For the purpose of building a factory town where his cigar workers would have a good living environment without the many grievances that he encountered at his factories in Key West.

The Cigar industry in Ybor City became very prosperous, making Tampa the "Cigar Capital of the World." The city quickly attracted thousands of immigrant workers including Spaniards, Cubans, Italians, Germans and Jewish. Ybor City grew very fast and supported many social clubs, theaters, festivals, labor and political organizations, dozens of newspapers, and a wide array of mercantile, artistic and occupational venues.

The cigar industry flourished in the area into the 1960's, when embargos against Cuban Tobacco and declining cigar consumption brought the "Cigar City" to an end.

Today, Ybor City is a National Historic landmark district and still maintains a unique social environment. Many historical museums and galleries as well as an abundance of restaurants and entertainment hot-spots will make your visit an unforgettable experience.

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