Ybor City

In 1885, Vicente MartA-nez Ybor purchased 40 acres of land northeast of Tampa, and there he began the cigar industry that would soon draw thousands of immigrants to Ybor City. The diverse population of the area, known as Tampaas aLatin Quarter, a came from Cuba, Spain, Italy, Germany, and Eastern Europe. Some residents worked in the various stages of cigar manufacturing, from picking tobacco to constructing cigar boxes, while others operated the local shops and businesses. A unique culture grew from the intermingling of the various traditions and languages found in Ybor City, and residents proudly proclaimed themselves Los TampaAos (or Tampanian). A strong sense of community has been an ever-present part of Ybor City, through the politically charged years of Cubaas fight for independence as well as the comfortable days of social clubs and dinners.De Quesada, Alejandro M., Jr. is the author of 'Ybor City', published 1999 under ISBN 9780738500577 and ISBN 0738500577.