Rekindled: East Texas’ Rise in the Cigar Industry (Part 5)

A Gold Rush for Tobacco in East Texas

Entrepreneurs all over East Texas went all in on the promising tobacco market prospects, sensing that there was serious money to be made.

By February 1904, a new tobacco-packing house had been formed under the direction of L.H. Shelfer, who had also been with the experimental station. Mr. Shelfer, a well-known tobacco expert, had resigned from the former and accepted an offer from The Florida, Havana and Sumatra Co., “to develop the East Texas tobacco proposition and manage their business at this end of the line.”

Major Investors Turn to Texas

The article states that “Mr. William Tausig, of the firm Tausig & Co. leaf tobacco buyers at Chicago and president of the Florida, Havana, and Sumatra company, and Mr. J. L. McFarland, vice president of the latter company have just completed an investigation of the tobacco lands in East Texas under the tutorship of Mr. Shelfer. The impressions gained in that inspection have influenced the members of the largest tobacco firm in the Southeast to turn their attention to Texas."

Another newspaper clipping stated,

“The Florida, Havana and Sumatra company, John L. McFarlin, Vice President and general manager, of Quincy, Fla., will plant ten acres of tobacco north of town, on Colonel S. F. B. Morse’s plantation, commonly known as Red Field. L.H. Shelfer has moved his family out on the farm and will have charge of the crop. The tobacco grown on this farm will be grown under shade and will be used primarily for wrappers. The company will furnish plants to as many farmers as want to engage in tobacco growing, and will contract with all of the tobacco farmers in the county who grow tobacco to take their crops at 15 cents per pound as soon as it is thoroughly dry.

The company further agrees to instruct the farmers in the cultivation, cutting and drying process free of charge. It is not known exactly the number of acres that will be cultivated in tobacco, but enough have signified there willingness to engage in the enterprise to plant 300 acres. From 600 to 1200 pounds per acre is the estimate after the crop is dry, and it is readily seen that the tobacco industry is one of the best paying crops that can be raised."

Large-Scale Tobacco Farming Begins

The clippings above show the interest that The Florida, Havana and Sumatra Co., had in Nacogdoches throughout 1904. To further illustrate the excitement they had in our tobacco, another newspaper clipping, quotes Mr. Tausig of the aforementioned company.

He describes the tobacco he was harvesting as being “of excellent quality” which “will command a high price in the market.” And Mr. Shelfer confidently asserts, that “the leaf, the quality and other points, ... all foretell the fact that the Texas [tobacco] will produce as find cigars as are sold and used here as Havana cigars.

Experience History, One Cigar at a Time

Step into La Havana Lounge and immerse yourself in the legacy of fine tobacco. As you relax in our historic setting, enjoy a carefully selected cigar that echoes the craftsmanship of the past. Whether you're a seasoned aficionado or simply looking to unwind, there’s no better place to savor a smoke and good company. Visit us today and experience the rich tradition that made Nacogdoches a cigar-making powerhouse.