Panama City

Panama City, the capital of Panama, is a vibrant metropolis with a rich history that reflects its strategic importance as a crossroads of world commerce. Here is a detailed history of Panama City, including significant events, historical figures, and important landmarks:

Early History and Founding

• Foundation: Panama City was founded on August 15, 1519, by Spanish conquistador Pedro Arias Dávila. It was the first Spanish settlement on the Pacific coast of the Americas and quickly became a vital staging point for expeditions into Peru and other parts of South America.

Colonial Era

• Panama Viejo: The original city, now known as Panama Viejo, was the starting point of expeditions and the site where gold and silver from the Inca Empire were transported across the isthmus to the Caribbean and then to Spain.
• 1671 Destruction by Pirates: The city was attacked and destroyed by the Welsh pirate Henry Morgan in 1671. Morgan's raid led to the relocation of the city to a more defensible location.

Rebuilding and Spanish Colonial Period

• Casco Viejo: Following the destruction, Panama City was rebuilt in 1673 on a peninsula about 8 km southwest of the original site. This area, known as Casco Viejo or San Felipe, features colonial architecture and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Commerce and Administration: Throughout the colonial period, the city served as an administrative center for the Spanish empire and a major hub of commerce.

Independence and 19th Century Developments

• Independence from Spain: Panama declared independence from Spain on November 28, 1821, and voluntarily joined Gran Colombia, a union of former Spanish territories in South America.
• Separation from Colombia: Panama remained part of Colombia after the dissolution of Gran Colombia in 1831 until Panama's independence in 1903, supported by the United States.

20th Century and the Panama Canal

• Construction of the Panama Canal: The construction of the Panama Canal by the United States between 1904 and 1914 was a pivotal event. The canal transformed Panama City into a global trade hub and brought significant economic growth.
• U.S. Influence and Torrijos-Carter Treaties: The canal zone was initially controlled by the United States. The Torrijos-Carter Treaties, signed in 1977, eventually transferred control of the canal to Panama in 1999.
• Manuel Noriega: A significant figure in Panama's recent history, General Manuel Noriega ruled as a military dictator in the 1980s until his removal by the United States in the 1989 invasion.

Modern Era

• Economic Growth: Since gaining full control of the canal, Panama City has experienced rapid economic growth, becoming a financial center in Latin America.
• Skyline Development: The city is known for its modern skyline, with numerous skyscrapers that reflect its economic prosperity.

Important Landmarks

• Panama Viejo: The ruins of the original city, with a notable cathedral tower, are a reminder of the city’s early history.
• Casco Viejo: This historic district features landmarks such as the Metropolitan Cathedral, the National Theatre, and the Presidential Palace.
• Panama Canal: The canal and its Miraflores locks are engineering marvels and major tourist attractions.
• Biomuseo: Designed by architect Frank Gehry, this museum highlights Panama's biodiversity and its role in connecting the continents.

Panama City today is a blend of modernity and history, with its rich past influencing its vibrant present.