Rum & Liquor History

1862–1940

Cuban rum was born in the port cities. Bacardi began in Santiago de Cuba in 1862, its bat emblem becoming famous worldwide; Havana Club was founded in Cárdenas in 1934; and Havana's 1930 Art Deco Bacardi Building still stands as a landmark of the era. These pages trace the places behind Cuba's pre-1940 rum and liquor trade.

Havana

La Habana

Havana is a city in La Habana province, Cuba. It is known for historic old town, colonial architecture, UNESCO World Heritage site and live music.

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba

Santiago de Cuba is a city in Santiago de Cuba province, Cuba. It is known for live music, history, local culture and colonial architecture.

Cárdenas

Matanzas

Cárdenas is a town in Matanzas province, Cuba. It is known for history, architecture and local culture.