Cespedes Hall, once West Tampa's city hall, was a community hub and local base for Cuban revolutionaries and sympathizers
The Cespedes Hall historical plaque is one of Hillsborough County's more unique commemorative markers. Unlike most markers throughout the county, this one honors a building that no longer stands. Despite the lack of a physical structure, the site carries substantial cultural significance. The marker is a tribute to West Tampa's early Cuban residents and their efforts to liberate an island 300 miles south of their community.
Early West Tampa
West Tampa wasn't always part of Tampa. It was originally incorporated as its own city in 1895. At that time, it was home to the second largest Hispanic population in the state, most of whom were Cuban. The area was developed with the intention of luring cigar factories and workers from Ybor City, which it did, creating a new economic hub for cigar-making.
Around the turn of the century, Cuban residents of West Tampa maintained strong ties to their former island home, with the majority opposing the nation's Spanish occupation. During the late 1800s, Cuba experienced several decades of political turmoil. Almost 30 years prior to West Tampa's founding, in 1868, Cuba experienced its first major struggle for independence from Spain during the Ten Years' War.
Carlos Manuel de Cespedes and Cuban revolution
The 1868 rebellion began when Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, a lawyer and plantation owner, proclaimed Cuba's independence from Spain. His efforts to liberate the island nation and end slavery earned him the title Padre de la Patria, or "Father of the Homeland."
Though Cespedes died in 1874, the Cuban population of West Tampa rallied behind his cause, particularly in the 1890s. Lectores, or readers, kept cigar rollers educated and informed as they worked in the factories. They brought news to the factory workers about Cuban politics, and were credited with introducing political ideas, some even deemed "radical," at the time.
As backing for Cuban independence grew among Hillsborough County's Cuban community, so too did their financial support for the revolution. Many Cuban immigrants helped fund Cuba's fight for independence and sent what they could spare from their earnings to the cause. Some even returned to Cuba to fight in the revolution.
Cespedes Hall played a prominent role in bringing the people of West Tampa together. It was more than just a gathering space for education, recreation, and civic activities. It was a beacon for the area's Cuban community and their desire to see Cuba flourish under the same liberty they enjoyed in America.
Here, in West Tampa, their home away from home, the Cuban community organized in Cespedes Hall to support Cuba's fight for independence.
Historical marker inscription
Cespedes Hall served the people of West Tampa from 1895 to 1898. During that short time, the large, elegant wooden structure was home to a Cuban patriotic society, La Sociedad Patriotica Cespedes de West Tampa, which funded the $20,000 construction cost, plus a school, West Tampa's government offices, an opera hall, and several businesses.
West Tampa's first mayor, Fernando Figueredo Socarras, was the driving force behind Cespedes Hall, which he named in honor of his mentor, Carlos Manuel de Cespedes, who was a hero of the Ten Years' War, Cuba's first attempt at independence from Spain.
Cespedes Hall opened the same year that Cuban patriots began another war of independence from Spain. The hall served as a rallying point for Tampa and West Tampa workers who donated their time and money - and in some cases volunteered to fight - for the independence movement.
In late 1898, the City of West Tampa, which owned the building, decided to demolish it in favor of a two-story brick structure. Fear of fire, especially in the face of two recent lightning strikes to the wooden building, likely prompted the decision.
Though it stood for less than five years, West Tampa's Cespedes Hall was an instant landmark and an integral part of the city's Cuban heritage.
Marker location
The Cespedes Hall marker is located on North Albany Avenue near the corner of North Albany Avenue and Main Street in West Tampa.
The marker was erected in 2024 by the Hillsborough County Historical Advisory Council.