Cuba was founded in 1857 in anticipation of the construction of the southern branch of the Pacific Railroad. In the period before the railroad, early settlers brought with them a pioneering spirit seeking whatever livelihood was available to support their families.  Many found work in the iron ore mining industry, with oxen carts providing the transportation of agricultural and mining products to St. Louis.  Mining would remain an important industry for nearly 50 years.

The origin of the name “Cuba” remains a matter of legend.  It may have been chosen as a symbol of sympathy for the people of the island of Cuba in their struggle for independence from Spain.  Another version tells that two former 49er gold miners had visited the isle of Cuba and found it beautiful.  Another story says that George M. Jamison, who had established the area’s first post office Amanda, named after his wife, again wanted to name the new town Amanda but others objected.  A stick was thrown in the air, and the direction the pointed end landed, towards Cuba or Amanda, would name the town.  One thing is certain, 150 years later its name continues to be a source of curiosity.

With the arrival of the southern branch of the Pacific Railroad in 1859-1860, the train brought a new way to get goods and send products to market.  Cuba became a shipping center for agriculture and industry.  From 1865-1912, Cuba was known as “The Land of the Big Red Apple.”  By 1900, Cuba was the largest producer and distributor of apples in Missouri.

With the advent of the Model T, road improvements became necessary.  Paving for Route 66, the “Mother Road,” through Cuba was completed in 1931.  With more automobile traffic, new business opportunities were created.  Restaurants, gasoline stations and motels opened their doors all along Route 66 to answer the needs of traveling motorists. 

In the 1930s, higher labor costs drove shoe manufacturers to seek more affordable locations for their plants that still had accessible transportation channels.  Many relocated to rural areas with lower labor costs.  The shoe industries would remain a vital part of Cuba’s economy for over 60 years.

By purchasing its own electrical system in 1946, Cuba was able to generate revenue to fund improvements to the city.  As a result, many new industries came to Cuba.  Today, the electrical system continues to provide working capital to fund the demands of Cuba’s industries. 

By the 1980s foreign imports, which could be produced at a lower cost, began to dominate the shoe market, resulting in significant domestic job losses.  The decline of American shoe manufacturing hit Cuba hard.  By 1984, a third of Cuba’s citizens lived below the state poverty level.

With typical “can do” spirit, the town’s Industrial Development Board was reactivated and an industrial development coordinator was hired.  Next, the city purchased 137 acres to be used as an industrial park.  Cuba secured an Enterprise Zone designation, which created tax incentives for businesses to move to Cuba.  Companies, with the potential to create substantial employment and who met certain financial criteria, were offered industrial sites for free or at reduced prices.

The city, with funding from the State of Missouri, developed infrastructure, including water, sewer and streets in the new industrial zone.  The efforts paid off.  In a short period of time a dozen new companies located in Cuba, providing 1000 new jobs and a diverse employment base.  In 1999, 35 acres of property was purchased for a second industrial park, with plans to purchase a third park in 2009.

In the 1990s, many businesses in the Historic Uptown were badly in need of a facelift.  In 2001, the area received a boost when Viva Cuba, a beautification organization, began an outdoor mural project along old Route 66.  Drab walls were transformed into public art.  Cuba was designated “Route 66 Mural City” by both the Missouri House and Senate. 

To date, 12 murals have been completed, luring many tourists from all parts of the United States and Europe.  Then in 2003, the city obtained a community block grant.  Local property owners in the historic district pledged to spend money on capital improvements and/or fixing up the facades of their buildings.

The block grant matched dollar for dollar the contribution of local property owners which was used by the city for infrastructure, such as new street lamps, sidewalk resurfacing, water lines, drainage system and repaving of streets and new parking areas.  Cuba’s Historic Preservation Commission continues help preserve the local historic buildings.

Cuba, with a population of 3500, celebrated its sesquicentennial in 2007.  Its easy to reach location to a major interstate, rail and airport facilities have accelerated Cuba’s growth, but it’s the community leaders and its citizens, their schools and churches, and other cultural and service organizations that have provided the heart and soul of the community. 

Celebrating 150 Years….A History of Cuba, Missouri provided information for this brief history.  Copies of the complete book may be purchased at the Crawford Co. History Museum or Peoples Bank.  Another source, Moments in Cuba’s History may be obtained at java.net, the History Museum or Peoples Bank.