Vicente Martinez-Ybor was a Spanish cigar manufacturer and entrepreneur known for his significant contributions to the cigar industry in the United States. Born in 1818 in Spain, he moved to Cuba, where he became involved in the tobacco trade. In the late 19th century, he relocated to Tampa, Florida, where he established the Ybor City neighborhood, which became a thriving center for cigar production. Ybor's vision and business acumen led to the establishment of numerous cigar factories, attracting thousands of workers, many of whom were immigrants from Cuba and Spain. His efforts not only transformed the local economy but also shaped the cultural landscape of the region, making Ybor City a vibrant community known for its rich heritage.