Site of Willis Cigar Factory

Willis grew its cigar tobacco from Cuban seed. A federal soil survey in 1901 found plantings had peaked at 1,000 acres in 1898, fallen to 506 in 1899 and dropped below 100. The Agriculture Department blamed the growers' inexperience in handling the crop and a narrow market, while the Handbook of Texas blames the lifting of the tariff on Cuban tobacco. Some of the leaf was admired. Texas samples went to the Paris Exposition in 1899, and the Willis survey showed the best aroma came from a reddish sandy loam called Orangeburg.

What the plaque says

Site of Willis Cigar Factory 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. Texas Sesquicentennial 1836 - 1986

Where it stands

More markers nearby

• Willis — 0.4 mi
• Site of Former Town of Danville — 4.4 mi
• West Fork of The San Jacinto River — 7.8 mi
• Conroe — 8.0 mi