Marker Inscription
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
About this site
Willis Cigar Factory is a historical marker in Willis, Montgomery County, dedicated in 1986. It is one of 67 historical markers documented in Montgomery County in the Texas Historical Commission Atlas, among 165 historic sites cataloged across the county.
The site sits at 30.4263, -95.4795 near Willis. The nearest cataloged historic site is Willis Methodist Church (historical marker), about 0.1 miles away. Others within a short drive include Willis Male and Female College, Powell, William P., and Thomas Chapel United Methodist Church.
This record corresponds to Texas Historical Commission Atlas #5339007909. Use the map below for its exact position and turn-by-turn directions.
