Stop Number three "Around the World," Panama Canal, Panama
by Paul H. & Tischa L. Green
The Panama Canal is a major canal for ships, which crosses the Isthmus of Panama in Central America and connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. Some refer to it as the “Eighth Wonder of The World” and it has had a huge impact on shipping between the two oceans. The Panama Canal is one of Central America's most popular tourist stops. It was one of the biggest and hardest engineering projects ever attempted. It has been a great success and over 14,000 ships pass through it every year. It is one of those 'once in a lifetime trips' that you will cherish for years to come.
Tischa and I have had the Panama Canal expierence before, yet it is still an amazing process to see large vessels raised 85 ft, in just a few minutes, and to realize that this amazing canal saves 7,000 miles of travel around the tip of South America, in only 50 miles of Canal Zone.
History of the Panama Canal
It was first discussed in 1534 when Charles V, the king of Spain suggested building a canal across the isthmus of Central America that would make it easier for ships that traveled to and from Peru and Ecuador.
Many other types of trade links were attempted, considering the strategic location of the narrow land that divided two oceans, but most failed. The first ill-fated attempt on the canal was in 1698 and is known as the Darien Scheme. The project was launched by the Kingdom of Scotland to establish a trade route, but the inhospitable conditions found made them abandon it in 1700.
The Panama Railway was completed in 1855 across the isthmus and created an important part of the infrastructure that was a key point in the decision of the later canal route. The railway assisted in the trade, but it was not the ideal solution.
The French attempted to make a sea-level canal (no locks involved) under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps. It was abandoned in 1893 after a lot of construction was started because of the extreme difficulty of the project and disease problems. There is no official record, but it is believed that around 22,000 laborers died during this time.
In 1904, the United States under Theodore Roosevelt purchased the French excavations and equipment and started construction. This was after they helped Panama declare their independence of Columbia in trade for the control of the Panama Canal Zone. There was a vast investment made into disease control, as the area was prone to malaria, yellow fever, and other diseases. The elevated canal was constructed with locks and was officially opened in 1914. It is recorded that 5,609 laborers died during the American construction.
The Madden Dam was erected and completed in 1935 to assist in the water supply needed for the Panama Canal and in 1939 new locks were being added for larger ships. Construction continued until it was stopped after WW II. There were strained relations between the U.S. and the Panamanians about the Canal Zone for many years. Negotiations were started in 1974 that resulted in the Torrijos-Carter Treaties. They were signed in 1977 and started a process to turn over the power of the Panama Canal to the Panamanians. The control was given to them on December 31, 1999.
Climate and Geography of Panama Canal
The climate in Panama is tropical with high temperatures and humidity. There are eastern trade winds and the temperature rarely falls below 26 C.
The Panama Canal is located on the Isthmus of Panama in Central America and connects the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans. It is made up of seventeen man made lakes, numerous upgraded man made channels with two sets of locks. There is also a reservoir for the canal in the form of the Alajuela Lake.
Things to See and Do in the Panama Canal
It is possible to get tours through the Panama Canal and this is an exciting adventure as you slowly make your way from one ocean to the next. The complete process of the canal and locks is one of awe, as you realize where you are and what you are doing. You can find additional information about the tours listed below. There are other places to see as follows:
* Miraflores Visitor Center – this is situated on the east side of the Miraflores Locks. You will only be a few meters from transiting vessels that pass through the canal. There is a lot of information about the canal located here. There are four exhibits you should look at.
o The History Hall
o The Hall of Water: Source of Life
o The Canal in Action
o The Canal in the World
* Panama Canal Administration Building – the construction of this was from 1913 – 1915. The architect was Austin Lord. It was first located in the town of Culebra, but is now in Balboa Heights.
* Panama Canal Murals – these magnificent murals show the graphic details of this great accomplishment. They are located in the Panama Canal Administration Building's rotunda.
* The Governor's House – this was built in Ancon in 1914 and is home to the Administrator's family. It also was first located in the town of Culebra
* Goethals' Monument – this was built to honor George Goethals in 1954 with federal money selected by an act of the U.S. Congress.
* Gaillard Plaque – this is located at the Administrators Buildings steps and was created in 1928.
More Information on the Panama Canal
You can find additional information at the following sites:
www.pancanal.com/
www.panamacanal.com/
It is hard not to think of the $400 Million(1900 dollars) and thousands of lives it took to create the Panama Canal, when you make the trip through the locks. While it is truly a wonder of 20th Century construction, it is also a testament to human dreams.