Site of Willis Cigar Factory
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Marker Text: Following the Civil War, area farmers found the climate and soil conditions of Montgomery County were ideal for the production of tobacco. The varieties grown here were of the highest quality, winning international awards in Chicago and Paris. At the height of local tobacco production, there were eight cigar operations in Willis. One, the Willis Cigar Factory, was located at this site. Founded by Kentucky native Capt. Thomas Wesley Smith (1829-1901), a Civil War veteran and former sheriff, it remained in operation until the early 1900s. (1986)
Marker No: 7909
Aluminum 18 x 28 Subject Marker
Geographic: 30.426258, -95.479469
Location: 300 Bell Street, Willis
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