In the late 1800s, a U.S. government embargo on Cuban tobacco cigars led some innovative farmers to begin growing tobacco in Montgomery County. The tobacco grown there was a superior grade and won two first-place prizes at world fairs. Seven factories in the Willis area produced cigars, and the tobacco was washed in troughs before drying, then exported or made into cigars in Montgomery County. After about 30 years, the Cuban embargo was lifted and the tobacco industry in Montgomery County ended.