Panama History

Under Spanish rule from 1501, Panama was a pivotal trade route and collection point for Spanish commerce from the New World. This abundance of transient wealth also attracted many foreign pirates and buccaneers, such as Henry Morgan and Sir Francis Drake.

 

 

Throughout the colonial period, Panama belonged to the Vice-Royalty of New Granada. The region achieved independence in 1821, as a region of Gran Colombia, which also included Colombia Venezuela, Ecuador, Peru and Bolivia. However, when Gran Colombia collapsed in 1830, Panama became part of modern Colombia. Unhappy with this status, the Panamanians  found an ally in the United States, which had strategic interests in the region – specifically, the construction of an Atlantic-Pacific link. A deal was signed with the Americans in 1846, allowing for the construction of a railway. But it was not until 1903 and the achievement of full independence that the Americans embarked on the construction of the Panama Canal. Colombia withheld recognition of the new state until 1921, when the USA agreed to pay compensation of US$25 million.

 

 

 

Old Panama

 

Panama La Vieja (Old Panama) is the name used for the architectural vestiges of the Monumental Historic Complex of the first Spanish city founded on the Pacific coast of the Americas by Pedro Arias de Avila on 15 August 1519. This city was the starting point of the expeditions that conquered the Inca Empire in Peru (1532). It also was a stopover point of one of the most important trade routes in the history of he American continent leading to the famous fairs of Nombre de Dios (God’s Name) and Portobelo where most of the gold and Silver that Spain took from the Americas passed through.

 

The fire, destruction and pillage that was caused by Henry Morgan in 1671 provoked the move and construction of a new city in 1673, which today is known as the Old City Center or Colonial Panama. Old Panama is one of the urban attractions that can easily be visited and seen while walking through its old stone paved streets now overgrown with grass to appreciate its 476-year old history. Currently a new archeological project was started on this site with the idea of protecting and restoring the ruins. The administration of the project is run by a foundation that is a joint force between the government, a civic club and private enterprise.

 

Panama La Vieja (Old Panama) was declared a Historic Monumental Complex by Law 91 of 22 December 1976.

 

 

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