INSIDE THE HISTORY VAULT
You don’t need a passport to experience Tampa Bay’s international influence that tells a unique story rich in culture and tradition. Tampa Bay has become a melting pot of cultures represented throughout the streets of historic Ybor City, paved along Perry Harvey Sr. Park, and sprinkled down the dazzling Hillsborough River.
THE TAMPA BAY HISTORY CENTER
The Tampa Bay History Center is a fantastic way to discover and explore the history of Tampa Bay with hands-on exhibits displaying indigenous and early settlers, Tampa Bay’s Black history, swashbuckling pirates, and more. Explore 12,000 years of Florida’s history at The Tampa Bay History Center.
THE HISTORICAL MONUMENT TRAIL
Along the Tampa Riverwalk, discover historical monuments of individuals and significant events that contributed to shaping Tampa Bay into the city that it is today. Over 20 different inspiring monuments stand in honor of the local cultures that contributed to the foundation of sunny Tampa Bay.
YBOR CITY’S CIGAR HISTORY
J.C. Newman: 2701 N 16th St, Tampa
By 1900, Ybor City was known as the “Cigar Capital of the World.” Founded in 1895, J.C. Newman still uses rare and original cigar machines to craft cigars in its factory in Ybor City alongside skilled torcedores hand rolling cigars. Today, visitors can find expert Cuban rollers crafting hand rolled cigars in the shops along Ybor City’s Seventh Avenue – just like they have for 130 years.
PERRY HARVEY SR. PARK
Discover the rich and fascinating history of the Central Avenue Business District in Tampa Bay by visiting Perry Harvey Sr. Park. Be transported back in time through the mesmerizing LIFETILES that display historical photographs and bring to life moments of the district’s past. The park also features “Leaders Row,” a moving tribute to the city’s influential leaders and their profound impact on the community and the people they inspired.
THE CUBAN SANDWICH
Chicago has hot dogs. New York has pizza. Tampa has Cuban sandwiches. The Cuban sandwich has undergone various adaptations across the world, but its original creation took place in Ybor City. The sandwich was invented by Cuban immigrants who settled in Tampa Bay during the early 1900s. The melting pot of different cultures that had migrated to Ybor City contributed ingredients to the sandwich. The Cuban sandwich is a symbol of unity and inclusiveness.
WATCH: THE HISTORY OF THE CUBAN ➜
THE YBOR HISTORY MUSEUM
Casitas were the homes of many cigar factory workers. The Ybor History Museum is home to La Casita and invites visitors to explore. The Ybor History Museum has many artifacts that can help you understand more about the beginning of our beautiful destination.