Introduction
Cigars have been part of U.S. history for centuries, but their journey to becoming a staple of the American market is truly fascinating. From the first European settlers who learned about tobacco through Indigenous peoples to the transformation of South Florida into the epicenter of cigars, this is the story of tobacco in the United States.

The First Encounters with Tobacco
The story begins in the 16th century, when European explorers arrived in the Americas and discovered that Indigenous communities were already cultivating and smoking tobacco. The native peoples of the American South and the Caribbean prepared rolled tobacco leaves which, when lit, produced smoke. This ancestral tradition amazed Europeans and planted the seed for tobacco’s introduction to Europe.

19th Century: The Rise of Cigars
It wasn’t until the early 19th century that cigar consumption began to take off in the United States. By the 1820s, small factories started to appear in cities like New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. This was a time when cigar smoking went from being a rarity to a common practice across different social classes.

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), cigar consumption among officers and soldiers increased considerably, further spreading its popularity throughout the nation.

Tampa, the Cigar Capital of America
By the late 19th century, Tampa, Florida had become the heart of the cigar industry in the United States. The mass arrival of Cuban immigrants, including experienced cigar rollers who fled conflicts on their home island, brought with them artisanal expertise that revolutionized cigar quality in the American market. This is why the famous Ybor City neighborhood in Tampa is often referred to as “Cigar City” in the United States.

Today: A Tradition That Endures
Today, the United States remains one of the largest consumers of cigars in the world. With the growth of specialized shops, cigar clubs, and international events like Big Smoke, the story of tobacco in this country is a living tradition that continues to evolve while preserving its artisanal soul.

Closing
The first cigars to arrive in the United States not only shaped consumption habits but also laid the groundwork for cigars to become an emblem of the good life. At Tabacalera Aragón, we honor this history in every leaf and every roll that reaches your hands.

Introduction
Cigars have been part of U.S. history for centuries, but their journey to becoming a staple of the American market is truly fascinating. From the first European settlers who learned about tobacco through Indigenous peoples to the transformation of South Florida into the epicenter of cigars, this is the story of tobacco in the United States.

The First Encounters with Tobacco
The story begins in the 16th century, when European explorers arrived in the Americas and discovered that Indigenous communities were already cultivating and smoking tobacco. The native peoples of the American South and the Caribbean prepared rolled tobacco leaves which, when lit, produced smoke. This ancestral tradition amazed Europeans and planted the seed for tobacco’s introduction to Europe.

19th Century: The Rise of Cigars
It wasn’t until the early 19th century that cigar consumption began to take off in the United States. By the 1820s, small factories started to appear in cities like New York, New Orleans, and Philadelphia. This was a time when cigar smoking went from being a rarity to a common practice across different social classes.

During the American Civil War (1861-1865), cigar consumption among officers and soldiers increased considerably, further spreading its popularity throughout the nation.

Tampa, the Cigar Capital of America
By the late 19th century, Tampa, Florida had become the heart of the cigar industry in the United States. The mass arrival of Cuban immigrants, including experienced cigar rollers who fled conflicts on their home island, brought with them artisanal expertise that revolutionized cigar quality in the American market. This is why the famous Ybor City neighborhood in Tampa is often referred to as “Cigar City” in the United States.

Today: A Tradition That Endures
Today, the United States remains one of the largest consumers of cigars in the world. With the growth of specialized shops, cigar clubs, and international events like Big Smoke, the story of tobacco in this country is a living tradition that continues to evolve while preserving its artisanal soul.

Closing
The first cigars to arrive in the United States not only shaped consumption habits but also laid the groundwork for cigars to become an emblem of the good life. At Tabacalera Aragón, we honor this history in every leaf and every roll that reaches your hands.