J.C. Newman Cigar Co. announced an agreement with America250 recently to roll cigars in celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States in 2026. Beginning in December, cigars hand rolled at J.C. Newman’s historic El Reloj cigar factory in Tampa, Florida, will be packaged with America250’s official seal.

“J.C. Newman is proud to roll official cigars of the 250th Anniversary of the United States,” said fourth-generation cigar maker Drew Newman. “Cigars have been an important part of our country since its founding. Therefore, it is only fitting that we celebrate America’s 250th birthday with cigars handmade in America.”

First planted in the Virginia Colony in 1612, tobacco fueled the growth of America. Around the time of the American Revolution, tobacco was being cultivated in all 13 Colonies and many Founding Fathers, including George Washington and Thomas Jefferson, were tobacco farmers.

“When my great-grandfather founded our family business in 1895, there were 40,000 cigar factories in the United States,” said Newman. “Today, El Reloj is the last large cigar factory still rolling cigars in the country. It is our privilege to keep America’s historic cigar-making tradition alive by handcrafting exquisite cigars in America.”

Congress established the United States Semiquincentennial Commission in 2016 to plan and coordinate the 250th anniversary of the United States. America250, the bipartisan organization leading the commemoration of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, wants to engage all Americans in celebrating this historic milestone including licensing its branding for unique, made-in-America products.

The Newman family invites cigar enthusiasts to celebrate America’s 250th anniversary by lighting America250 cigars and visiting the historic El Reloj cigar factory. Visitors can take a tour explore J.C. Newman’s museum plus learn how to hand roll cigars, or attend a private event. El Reloj is the highest rated museum in Tampa on TripAdvisor.

In his 1958 autobiography Smoke Dreams, company founder Julius C. Newman wrote, “I could not help but realize more than ever what a great country this is. I am filled more than ever with deep pride to be an American.”

Find J.C. Newman Cigar Co. at 2701 N 16th St. in Tampa. Their hours of operation are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5:30 p.m.