Anti-Cigarette League of America

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The Anti-Cigarette League of America was a U.S. group that fought smoking and worked to ban cigarettes and smoking in public places. It was founded in 1899 by Lucy Page Gaston, who was also the president. Gaston, a teacher and member of the Woman’s Christian Temperance Union, argued that cigarette smoking was a dangerous new habit, especially for young people, and could lead to alcohol and narcotics use. The campaign drew support from progressives and WCTU members. By 1901 the league claimed about 300,000 members and had chapters across the United States and Canada with a paid staff. Dr. Daniel H. Kress served as vice-president. From 1890 to 1930, 15 states passed laws banning cigarettes, and 22 more considered such laws. North Carolina debated cigarette prohibition several times between 1897 and 1917. In the end, states repealed their cigarette bans and most public smoking bans. Kansas was the last to repeal in 1927.