Cigars: Cigars and Tobacco in History

Have you ever wondered where cigars were firsthis name to the scientific name for tobacco (Nicotiana
produced? It is widely believed that cigars were firsttabacum). The origins of the word tobacco itself are
produced in Spain. But before cigars became all thestill suspect, although many believe it is simply a
rage in Europe, tobacco was needed to make them.corruption of the word Tobago, which is the name of
Tobacco is indigenous to the Americas, where nativea Caribbean island. Still others believe it comes from
peoples have produced it for hundreds of years. It isthe word Tabasco, a region (and now state) in Mexico.
believed that the Maya of Yucatan peninsula in MexicoThe first tobacco plantation in the United States was
and parts of Central America cultivated tobacco, andestablished in Virginia in 1612. More tobacco plantations
even smoked it! Tobacco use spread to other tribes,followed in Maryland soon after. Although tobacco
both north and south. It is believed that its first use inbecame a popular crop, it was only smoked in pipes.
the United States was probably among the tribe alongThe cigar was not introduced to the United States until
the Mississippi. It wasn't until Christopher Columbusthe late 18th century. Israel Putnam, an army general
sailed his famous voyage to the Americas in 1492 thatwho had served in the Revolutionary War, is credited
the rest of the world came to know tobacco.with introducing the cigar to the United States. He had
It is said that Columbus was not impressed by tobaccotraveled to Cuba after the Revolutionary War and
or its use among native peoples, but many sailorsreturned with a box of Cuban cigars. Their popularity
grew found of the strange plant. Soon it quickly caughtquickly spread, and soon enough cigar factories were
on in Spain and Portugal. From there, it spread toestablished in the area of Harford, Connecticut, where
France, where the French ambassador Jean Nicot lentGeneral Putnam resided.