History of Tobacco

Prior to the 15th century, the history of tobacco is somewhat sketchy, although historians believe that the tobacco plant, as it is known today, began growing in the Americas as early as 6000 BCE. By 1BCE the Native Americans had begun finding different ways to use tobacco, including smoking, chewing and as hallucinogenic enemas. By 1CE, Tobacco was being grown and used throughout the Americas.

The first European to discover tobacco was Christopher Columbus, in October 1492. He was given “Certain dried leaves” by the natives as gifts when he landed in the New World, but threw them away, not realizing the uses of tobacco at that time.

A month later, Rodrigo de Jerez, who had landed in Cuba, (whilst looking for China!), is credited as the first European to observe smoking. In his journals he described it as “drinking the smoke”, and he became a confirmed smoker. He brought the habit back to his hometown in Spain, but the sight of smoke coming from his mouth and nose, frightened the townsfolk and he was imprisoned by the holy inquisitors for 7 years as a result of his smoking! The ironic thing was, that by the time he was released 7 years later, smoking had become a craze throughout Spain.

English Tobacco History

The history books tell us that tobacco was not introduced to England until 1564, and it was introduced by Sir John Hawkins and his crew. I would suggest. However, it is likely that Spanish sailors introduced their English counterparts to the pleasures of smoking, well before that date.

In 1573, Sir Francis Drake returned from the Americas with “Nicotina Tobacum”. It was Drake who introduced smoking to Sir Walter Raleigh in 1585.

In July of 1586, Tobacco arrived in English society, when some of the Virginia colonists returned to England and they were smoking pipes when they disembarked at Plymouth. This caused a sensation and a massive demand for the product at the same time.

In 1600, Sir Walter Raleigh persuaded Queen Elizabeth to try smoking. At the time is was believed that tobacco had all kinds of healing properties and in 1603, physicians complained to King James that tobacco was being used by people without a prescription! A year later, King James increased the tax on tobacco from 2 pence a lb to 6 shillings and 10 pence a pound; an increase of 4000%!

In 1610 the first tobacco vending machine was invented and by 1614, there were 7000 tobacco shops in and around London. At the same time, in Virginia, tobacco was being used as currency and would continue to be used in this way for 150 years.

This is a brief history of tobacco, taking us to the beginning of the 17th century, but there are many fascinating books, written by historians, giving full details and a full history of tobacco and its rise in popularity, should you wish more in depth information about tobacco historical timelines.