The history of tobacco and prevention efforts in Texas is long. It dates back to before the arrival of Spaniards to Texas in 1692, when tobacco grew as a natural plant and was gathered by Native Indians.

Almost 200 years later, early Texans grew the plant for personal consumption and began selling tobacco as a product in the 1890’s. Production began in Montgomery County, north of Houston, and spread to East Texas, but declined in the early 1900’s when cotton became more valuable than tobacco. Today, tobacco is not grown in Texas.

At the same time that tobacco production and usage increased in the state and nation, numerous prevention and control efforts were established.

Watch the History of Tobacco Prevention in Texas to learn how our state began its prevention efforts.

The notes worksheet below can be downloaded and used while watching the video.