A Short History of Cigars and Tobacco
Have you ever wondered where cigars were first produced? It is widely believed that cigars were first produced in Spain. But before cigars became all the rage in Europe, tobacco was needed to make them. Tobacco is indigenous to the Americas, where native peoples have produced it for hundreds of years. It is believed that the Maya of Yucatan peninsula in Mexico and parts of Central America cultivated tobacco, and even smoked it! Tobacco use spread to other tribes, both north and south. It is believed that its first use in the United States was probably among the tribe along the Mississippi. It wasn't until Christopher Columbus sailed his famous voyage to the Americas in 1492 that the rest of the world came to know tobacco.
It is said that Columbus was not impressed by tobacco or its use among native peoples, but many sailors grew found of the strange plant. Soon it quickly caught on in Spain and Portugal. From there, it spread to France, where the French ambassador Jean Nicot lent his name to the scientific name for tobacco (Nicotiana tabacum). The origins of the word tobacco itself are still suspect, although many believe it is simply a corruption of the word Tobago, which is the name of a Caribbean
island. Still others believe it comes from the word Tabasco, a region (and now state) in Mexico.
The first tobacco plantation in the United States was established in Virginia in 1612. More tobacco plantations followed in Maryland soon after. Although tobacco became a popular crop, it was only smoked in pipes. The cigar was not introduced to the United States until the late 18th century. Israel Putnam, an army general who had served in the Revolutionary War, is credited with introducing the cigar to the United States. He had traveled to Cuba after the Revolutionary War and returned with a box of Cuban cigars. Their popularity quickly spread, and soon enough cigar factories were established in the area of Harford, Connecticut, where General Putnam resided.
In Europe, cigar production and consumption did not achieve widespread popularity until after the Peninsula War in the early 19th century. British and French veterans returned to their homelands after years of serving in Spain with their tobacco pipes in tow. Among the rich and fashionable, the favored method of taking tobacco was the cigar. Cigar smoking remains a habit associated with the rich and discriminating of upper society.
413
Terms of Use for this Private Label Article
Possibly Related PLR Articles:
A Woman's Guide to Writing a Great Profile
OK…the time has come. You have joined an online dating service or two. Now you must write that all-important profile… the one that will attract attention and reel in the man of your dreams… but where to start? Maybe writing isn't even something you...read more
What is landscaping rock?
You can use landscaping rock to add some depth and texture to your landscaping design. This landscaping rock can come in a couple of different forms, actually there are quite a few. Not only is there a find collection of colors of landscaping rock...read more
Lifetime Fitness: On Your Way to a Healthier You
Many people end up abandoning perfectly good fitness programs and weight-loss regimens before they even lace up their sneakers.
Why? Because in a world filled with fast food, instant messaging, and a five-second disease-tracking device,...read more
Head-knock to Individuals with Low or No Credit Scores: The Importance of Average Credit Score in US
In the United States, more credit scores means higher opportunities. You are considered lucky if you obtain and maintain high credit scores compared to those who have incurred no credits at all. It is a popular belief that having high credit scores...read more
How to Apply for a Scholarship: College Freshman's Recipe
When we speak of college scholarship application, the burden is always on the parents. Since they have the responsibility over the education of their children and they know what will be good for them, parents apply personally for the college...read more
How to Choose Bathroom Accessories for Large Rooms
If you have a large bathroom, choosing accessories requires a bit more detail. If the spacing is permitting, or large you want to consider possible construction, such as back-to-back small areas and larger spacing. Plumbing is essential as well,...read more
Assembling the Crown of your Crafty Quilt
You have created flowers, basket, handles, etc, so now it's time to assemble your crafty quilt. Let's get started.
How to Assemble:
You are assembling the crown of your quilt at this point. If you haven't started your craft project to...read more
21. Christmas Greetings and Good Cheer
'Happy Holidays.' Christmas greetings embody a wish that all will go well in
whatever preparations need to be made, and a genuine sentiment that much joy,
happiness and well being will be experienced by the individual and loved ones
during...read more
Tips on How to Become a Fitness Model
Everyone is busy. But considering what is at stake, making time for exercise needs to be a priority right now. Thirty minutes a day is not too much when you get right down to it. Cut one prime-time show out of your evening television-viewing...read more
How to Motivate Yourself Forever
Just as willpower is an essential factor in achieving success, at some point in time, discouragement and lack of motivation may hinder you from reaching your objective. And it is up to you, and you alone to devise techniques that will help you keep...read more