Tobacco, More Than a Cash Crop

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Tobacco in Puerto Rico is as much a commodity as it is a way of life.  It has served as medicine for the Taíno Indians and for today’s traditionalists.  It has also provided education to people who may not have otherwise received any.  In addition, Puerto Rico has the unique distinction of being originally responsible for introducing tobacco to Europe via Christopher Columbus.

El lector, a typical cigar rollers' workspace circa 1900.

After a rough start involving slavery and a ban on the sale of tobacco to foreigners imposed by Spain in the 16th century, commercial tobacco began to flourish in the 18th century.  This led to tobacco eventually becoming the third largest exported crop for Puerto Rico, just behind sugar and tobacco. 

In the two centuries following the tobacco boom, the men who rolled tobacco for a living became some of the most intelligent, free thinking men of the time.  This was because the manufacturers they worked for would pay men to read great works of literature to entertain them as they rolled, which provided free education for people who may not have access to it otherwise.

Despite the end of cigarette production 1930, small farm owners have continued to grow tobacco as cigar fillers.  In the 1950s, Puerto Rico’s cigar production paid off when the US was no longer able to obtain Cuban cigars.

Ramona has been rolling tobacco since she was sixteen!

Though Puerto Rico no longer exports cigarettes, cigars are still hand rolled in the Museo del Tabaco in Caguas, Puerto Rico and can be bought there for about a buck a cigar.  The museum also offers tours and hosts events, workshops, and seminars.  But the highlight of the trip, by far, is getting the chance to see some tobacco rollers in action.  So, if you're ever in Caguas, be sure to set so time aside to drop in during their business hours to see the show!

For a slightly more in-depth look at the history of Puerto Rican tobacco, check out the history page of yet another of the many companies that sell Puerto Rican tobacco, Don Abram Harris.

All photos by J. Schlasner (2013).