Editing Havana, Florida (section)

==History==
The cultivation of [[shade tobacco]] began in [[Gadsden County, Florida]] around 1829. In 1902, following the completion of the [[Georgia, Florida and Alabama Railroad]], many settlers moved a mile east to the present site of Havana. A local teacher, James Mathewson, proposed the name "Havana". He believed the hand-rolled cigars made in this region of Florida were comparable to those from Havana, Cuba. On December 5, 1906, the '''Town of Havana''' was officially incorporated. The railway town was important to the export of farming and tobacco.<ref name=HavHis>{{Cite web|title=Our History|url=https://www.voicesofhavana.org/|website=www.voicesofhavana.org}}</ref><ref name=HH>{{Cite web|title=HISTORY OF HAVANA|url=https://www.floridianamagazine.com/havana-floridas-friendliest-small-town/|website=www.floridianamagazine.com}}</ref>

On March 16, 1916, Havana was destroyed by a fire and 26 business-owned buildings were burned leaving only two remaining stores.<ref name=HavHis/><ref name=HH/>

In recent times, much of the tobacco crop industry has declined and Havana is now known for its antiques, art galleries and specialty stores.