El Pasaje

When Jose Marti, the empassioned orator who spoke for Cuban independence from Span, first arrived in Tampa on Nov. 24, 1891, he spent the night at famed El Pasaje Hotel, then and now known as the Cherokee Club.

Before retiring he proclaimed: "I feel happy amongst warriors." He collected funds for the fight.

During the Spanish American War, other big names often were seen at the El Pasaje. There were Col. "Teddy" Roosevelt, Sir Winston Churchill, President Grover Cleveland, Gen. Leonard Wood and others. From 1890 to 1935 all Governors of Florida were feted there.

9th Avenue and 14th Street (#2 on map)
El Pasaje parking lot is #3 on map