Vicente Martinez Ybor
(1818-1896)

Died aged c. 78

Vicente Martinez Ybor, born in 1818, was a major figure in the founding and development of Ybor City. He participated in negotiations with the Tampa Board of Trade in 1885 and led efforts to purchase land adjacent to Tampa for the cigar industry and its accompanying community. In addition to building his factory, Ybor created a system for the workers to buy their houses. He built the first hotel in Ybor City, El Pasaje. He organized the Ybor Land & Improvement Company, which encouraged entrepreneurs to establish businesses in Ybor City. The company invested in the Florida Brewing Company and the Tampa Gas Company, provided more than $250,000 to grade streets, erect streetlights and enforce sanitary measures. Vicente Martinez Ybor died in 1896.

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