Parque Amigos de Jose Marti (Jose Marti Park), Tampa
In an unusual twist of history, the land of this small parkis officially owned by the Republic of Cuba, meaning that when you step along its walkway, you are鈥攁t least symbolically鈥攕tanding on Cuban soil. The property has been maintained for decades by local Cuban heritage organizations.
The land was donated to Cuba in 1956 by Paulina Pedroso, a prominent Ybor City resident and supporter of the Cuban independence movement. Pedroso and her husband once operated a boarding house on this site, offering a safe refuge to political activists.
One of its most notable guests was Jos茅 Mart铆, considered a national hero of Cuba. Mart铆 stayed here during several visits to Tampa, including while recuperating after an assassination attempt in 1892. From Ybor City, he rallied support among cigar workers for the movement to free Cuba from Spanish rule.
Today, the park features monuments dedicated to Mart铆 and fellow independence leader Jos茅 Antonio Maceo, as well as plaques and a colorful mural. In a nod to Cuba鈥檚 geography and identity, the grounds include soil brought from each of the island鈥檚 provinces. Though the park is small and can be explored in just a few minutes, its significance is tied deeply to Ybor City鈥檚 Cuban heritage and the struggle for Cuban independence.
The land was donated to Cuba in 1956 by Paulina Pedroso, a prominent Ybor City resident and supporter of the Cuban independence movement. Pedroso and her husband once operated a boarding house on this site, offering a safe refuge to political activists.
One of its most notable guests was Jos茅 Mart铆, considered a national hero of Cuba. Mart铆 stayed here during several visits to Tampa, including while recuperating after an assassination attempt in 1892. From Ybor City, he rallied support among cigar workers for the movement to free Cuba from Spanish rule.
Today, the park features monuments dedicated to Mart铆 and fellow independence leader Jos茅 Antonio Maceo, as well as plaques and a colorful mural. In a nod to Cuba鈥檚 geography and identity, the grounds include soil brought from each of the island鈥檚 provinces. Though the park is small and can be explored in just a few minutes, its significance is tied deeply to Ybor City鈥檚 Cuban heritage and the struggle for Cuban independence.
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Parque Amigos de Jose Marti (Jose Marti Park) on Map
Sight Name: Parque Amigos de Jose Marti (Jose Marti Park)
Sight Location: Tampa, USA (See walking tours in Tampa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
Sight Location: Tampa, USA (See walking tours in Tampa)
Sight Type: Attraction/Landmark
Guide(s) Containing This Sight:
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