Why was Willis, Texas, known for tobacco and cigars?
After the Civil War, farmers found that Montgomery County's soil and climate were ideal for tobacco. By 1895, about 90% of Texas tobacco grew within five miles of Willis. The town had seven to eight cigar operations. The largest was the Willis Cigar Factory, founded by Capt. Thomas Wesley Smith.
How Did the Willis Tobacco Boom Begin?
Willis was founded in 1870 on the Houston & Great Northern Railroad. It was named for P. J. and R. S. Willis, who gave the land for the townsite.
After the Civil War, farmers learned that the local soil and climate suited tobacco. The leaf they grew was high quality. It won first prize at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and again at the 1900 Paris World's Fair.
By 1895, about 90% of the state's tobacco grew within five miles of town. The 1970 Willis marker counts seven cigar factories, and the 1986 factory marker counts eight cigar operations.
Who Founded the Willis Cigar Factory?
Capt. Thomas Wesley Smith (1829–1901) founded the factory with his son, Owen. Smith was a Kentucky native, a Civil War veteran, and a former Montgomery County sheriff.
The Willis Cigar Factory was the largest cigar maker in town. Smith even put a photo of his daughter, Lelia Lois Smith, on boxes of one of his popular cigars.
Smith also built an opera house in Willis. By the 1890s, the town had a college, an opera house, churches, and many stores.
Why Did the Willis Tobacco Boom End?
The boom faded after the Spanish-American War in 1898. The U.S. dropped tariffs on Cuban tobacco, and Cuban leaf came back to the market. Willis growers could not compete on price.
The Willis Cigar Factory ran until the early 1900s. The building was empty by 1910, and vandals burned it in the 1930s.
Willis did not fade away. Timber, cotton, and livestock carried the local economy forward. In 1931, the nearby Conroe oil field brought new growth to the county.
Willis Tobacco Timeline
- 1870Willis is founded on the Houston & Great Northern Railroad.
- Late 1800sFarmers find the county's soil and climate ideal for tobacco.
- 1893Willis-area tobacco wins first prize at the World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago.
- 1895About 90% of Texas tobacco grows within five miles of Willis.
- 1898After the Spanish-American War, tariffs on Cuban tobacco are dropped.
- 1900Willis tobacco wins again at the Paris World's Fair, even as the boom fades.
- By 1910The Willis Cigar Factory building stands empty.
- 1930sVandals burn the old factory building.
- 1986The Texas Historical Commission places a marker at the site.
Where Can You See Willis Tobacco History Today?
Site of Willis Cigar Factory marker
Texas Historical Commission marker No. 7909, near 300 North Bell Street at Waverly Street.
Willis town marker
A 1970 marker on Danville Street (SH 75) tells the town's founding and tobacco story.
Willis Male and Female College marker
About 0.2 miles from the cigar factory marker.
Heritage Museum of Montgomery County
See a tobacco trough from a field near Willis, at the museum in Conroe.
Markers sit on public streets. Check museum hours before you go.
Who Is Jeremy Williams?
I'm Jeremy Williams, Founder and Expansion Partner of Omnia Elevate, the agent development organization within JLA Realty. I grew up in San Marcos, and Texas history has always been part of my story.
I share stories like this one because every Texas town has a past worth knowing. If you're buying or selling in Willis, our members can help. If you're an agent, I'd love to talk about your goals.
Buying, Selling, or Building a Career in Willis?
Find a JLA Realty – Omnia Elevate REALTOR® who serves Willis and Lake Conroe, or book a private call with Jeremy about joining.
Questions About the Willis Cigar Factory
What was the Willis Cigar Factory?
It was the largest cigar maker in Willis, Texas, during the tobacco boom of the late 1800s. Capt. Thomas Wesley Smith founded it with his son Owen. It ran until the early 1900s.
Why was Willis called the tobacco capital of Texas?
By 1895, about 90% of the tobacco grown in Texas came from within five miles of Willis. The town had seven to eight cigar operations at its peak.
Did Willis tobacco win awards?
Yes. Willis-area tobacco won first prize at the 1893 World's Columbian Exposition in Chicago and again at the 1900 Paris World's Fair.
Who was Capt. Thomas Wesley Smith?
He was a Kentucky native (1829–1901), Civil War veteran, and former Montgomery County sheriff. He founded the Willis Cigar Factory and built an opera house in Willis.
Why did the Willis tobacco boom end?
After the Spanish-American War, the U.S. dropped tariffs on Cuban tobacco. Cheaper Cuban tobacco returned, and Willis growers could no longer compete.
What happened to the Willis Cigar Factory building?
The building was abandoned by 1910 and burned by vandals in the 1930s.
Where is the Willis Cigar Factory historical marker?
The Texas Historical Commission marker stands near 300 North Bell Street at Waverly Street in Willis. It was placed in 1986.
Where can I see more Willis tobacco history?
A tobacco trough from a field near Willis is on display at the Heritage Museum of Montgomery County in Conroe.
Sources: Texas Historical Commission markers No. 7909 (1986) and No. 7908 (1970); Texas Co-op Power; Historical Marker Database. Facts reviewed October 2026.
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