<P> Spanish cultivation of tobacco began in earnest in 1531 on the island of Santo Domingo . In 1542, tobacco started to be grown commercially in North America, when the Spaniards established the first cigar factory on the island of Cuba . Tobacco was originally thought to have medicinal qualities, but there were some who considered it evil . It was denounced by Philip II of Spain and James I of England . </P> <P> Around 1592, the Spanish galleon San Clemente brought 50 kilograms (110 lb) of tobacco seed to the Philippines over the Acapulco - Manila trade route . It was distributed among Roman Catholic missionaries, who found excellent climates and soils for growing high - quality tobacco there . The use of the cigar did not become popular until the mid-eighteenth century, and although there are not many drawings from this era, there are some reports . </P> <P> In Seven Years' War it is believed Israel Putnam brought back a cache of Havana cigars, making cigar smoking popular in the US after the American Revolution . He also brought Cuban tobacco seeds which he planted in the Hartford area of New England . This reportedly resulted in the development of the renowned Connecticut Wrapper . </P> <P> Towards the end of the 18th century and in the 19th century, cigar smoking was common, while cigarettes were still comparatively rare . In the early 20th century, Rudyard Kipling wrote his famous smoking poem, "The Betrothed ." </P>

Cigars named for the island capital of cuba