August 12, 2025 · 7:11 pm
Welcome to the historic Gato Cigar Manufacturing unit. Situated a couple of blocks east of Duval Road in Key West’s Previous City.
This majestic constructing housed such an unbelievable city-changing previous. A portion of the historic marker outdoors the manufacturing unit reads as follows: “The Gato cigar manufacturing unit was constructed by Eduardo H. Gato in 1916. This Neo-classical revival, poured concrete construction with a big central courtyard was constructed after an earlier wooden framed manufacturing unit on this web site had burned. It was additionally one of many earliest American built-in workplaces the place Cubans, Africans and Bahamian-Individuals, and whites labored aspect by aspect. Small cottages have been constructed close to the manufacturing unit to accommodate employees, and have become an space referred to as Gatoville. The cigar trade was important to Key West’s financial system simply earlier than the twentieth century however declined within the early 1900’s.”
I discovered an superior historic photograph (proven under) of Gatoville’s small cottages, how cool is that! Since its closing, it has been a military barracks, mess corridor & Navy commissary. Upon the Navy’s departure it was bought by Monroe County who nonetheless occupies it in the present day and incorporates a small Cigar museum that might be on my “To Do Checklist” upon my subsequent go to. Proven under can be a plaque that’s mounted beside one of many entrance doorways stating its historic relevance by then Governor Jeb Bush.
There’s little question that this man, manufacturing unit & trade reworked this island neighborhood without end. There are avenue names, parks and different institutions that reap the benefits of their staying title energy. Come by and revel in this majestic landmark for FREE because it stood in its glory days.
