09/26/2010 - Cigar Factories in Key West
The cigar trade soon found its way across the Florida Straits from Cuba. There
was only one cigar factory in Key West in 1831, but it soon became big business.
The Cuban Revolution caused thousands of cigar workers to emigrate to Key West
and this caused the industry to grow very quickly. By 1890, 129 cigar factories
were in operation and bringing in good profits. However, union labor strikes
caused the owners problems and promises of tax-free land and cheaper labor
enticed them to move to Tampa. Key West soon lost its place as America's leading
producer of hand-rolled Cuban cigars.
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