Did you know that there is a small city in Florida with the same name as the capital of Cuba? It is located in Gadsden County, just 14 miles north of Tallahassee, and is known as the Town of Havana.
It has a population of 1,733 inhabitants. It is small, but it is full of history and peculiarities that make it a fascinating destination for curious travelers.
The town was founded in the early 20th century, after the completion of a railway line for the Georgia, Florida, and Alabama Railroad.
The families that had originally settled near Salem decided to move approximately a mile east to the current site of Havana.
The railway played a crucial role in the development of the town, as did the Havana Community Park, located on 6th East Avenue.
The name "Havana" was proposed by the local teacher James Mathewson, inspired by the shade tobacco used in fine cigars, as that was the main crop in the area at that time.
Cuban tobacco had started being cultivated in the county around 1829, and the hand-rolled cigars manufactured in this region of Florida were comparable to those from Havana, Cuba.
On December 5, 1906, the Town of Havana was recognized as a city in Florida. However, it suffered a fire in 1916, in which a large part of the commercial area was destroyed. The inhabitants rebuilt the city and managed to make it prosper.
Tobacco crops decreased over time and the town reinvented itself. Currently, Town of Havana is known for its numerous antique shops, art galleries, restaurants, and specialized stores.
Visitors can stroll through its streets, explore its picturesque shops, and enjoy the warmth and hospitality of its community.
Town of Havana is more than a tourist destination, it is a place where every corner tells a story. From its roots in the tobacco industry to its transformation into a center of art and antiques. Havana, in Florida, offers a fascinating glimpse into a past full of character and charm.
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