Building the Panama Canal

FUN WITH MAPS – ISSUE 2021-2

DAILY FEATURE: By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (January 5, 2021) – In Issue 2021-2 of Steve Kovacs Fun with Maps we learn some Panama history.

Panama

The Spanish came and conquered most of South and Central America in the 16th century.  Panama, as many others in the region, broke away from Spain in 1821.  Panama subsequently joined the Republic of Gran Columbia.

With help from the US, Panama seceded in 1903.  It had to do with building and controlling the Canal.  Columbia finally recognized the breakaway Republic’s independence in 1909 on this day.

Here is Teesdale’s map of Columbia from 1831, with a large inset showing proposed railroad and canal systems connecting the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans through Panama.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Antique Maps & Fun Facts here on Loveland Beacon