TRACK CHANGES

Elizabeth Bemis, curator
Katiana Bagué and Lourdes Santamaría-Wheeler, exhibit design

*Click on the train icon above for sound*

A Panama Railroad train emitting smoke while traveling through a grassy area

Panama Railroad, n.d.
II.2021.36.106. Gift of Brad Wilde.

Long before a canal cut across the Isthmus of Panama, the first transcontinental railroad charted a similar path between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Built 1850-1855, the Panama Railroad transformed the country’s physical and economic landscape. It propelled Panama into a future of exponential importance as a global crossroad and a tumultuous relationship with the United States that lasted 150 years. The impacts, for better and worse, were profound.

The railroad evolved alongside the local and global environment. It replaced mule trains and wooden boats and became vital to the Panama Canal. But it also served more modest purposes like taking people to work, kids to football games, and women in labor to the hospital. This exhibit celebrates the still-vibrant life of the Panama Railroad.

This online exhibit is based on the exhibit of the same name that is currently on display at the Albert H. Nahmad Panama Canal Gallery from April 6, 2024, to March 7, 2025. Unless otherwise noted, all items are from the Panama Canal Museum Collection, Special & Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

PANAMA CANAL MUSEUM COLLECTION

Panama Route

In 1848, when gold was discovered in California, the “Panama Route” was the fastest way to get from the East to the West Coast of the United States. Yet it was a dangerous and lengthy proposition. Depending on weather, ship schedules, availability of men and animals, disease outbreaks, and money, the trip could take a few days or a few months. Travelers navigated 25 miles of the journey on land with mules. For the remaining 50 miles, people used wooden boats to move through the river.

A map of the Chagres River area in Panama with markings highlighting geographical features

Map of the Chagres Route, n.d.
2009.46.3. Gift of Margaret Spradlin.

An aged, black wine bottle with visible chips and scratches on its surface against a gray background

Wine Bottle, c. 1850 – 1870.
2002.125.002. Gift of Rick Williams.

This bottle was found along the Gold Rush route across Panama.

A landscape painting showing a part of Panama's Isthmus

Albertus Del Orient Browere (American, 1814 – 1887)
Crossing the Isthmus, c. 1858. Oil on canvas. 33 x 44 inches. 1984.8. Crocker Art Museum.

Letter of Charles Clement, May 12, 1850. II.2024.6.1. Gift of Frank Townsend.

“After leaving Chagres we proceeded up the river in the boat I gold [told] you about thirty miles and a more beautiful scenery I have never beheld in my life trees covered with blossoms high mountains completely covered with large beautiful trees and then again there would be a gentle sloping bank covered with grass and a native hut or two where the traveler can stop and get a cup of coffee…”

The Transit

To cross the Isthmus, travelers would first arrive at Panama City or Chagres by ship which anchored offshore. Locals in small boats then ferried them to land so they could begin the arduous journey. Towns along the way provided hospitality and sanctuary. Once on the other side of the Isthmus, travelers waited for their scheduled departure.

Although people typically used mules and boats for the journey, published accounts and travel diaries include other methods. In Jane McDougal’s diary, she describes being carried in a hammock suspended between two men. Her daughter Sue got a piggyback ride.

For women, the trip was both more treacherous and a liberating opportunity. Many wore men’s clothes, undoubtedly making the difficult and muddy journey easier. It also made them less conspicuous and possibly safer from unwanted advances. Some reveled in the chance to ride “astride” the mules instead of side-saddle, which was typical for women at the time.

An illustration of Chagres, Panama showing a sailing ship, raft with passengers, and palm trees

Gilbert Gaul (American, 1855 – 1919)
Old Chagres (colorized), print made from 1850 drawing by
Charles Nahl. n.d. II.2024.4.3.

An illustration showing women traveling on horses stopping near a shack in Panama

Gilbert Gaul (American, 1855 – 1919)
Women on the Trail from The Century Illustrated, April 1891.
II.2024.4.4.

An illustration of people traveling on camels across Panama's Isthmus

Camel Train on the Isthmus of Panama, Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing Room Companion, August 30, 1851. 2005.86.917. Gift of Betty Stergion.

This illustration shows how travelers used camels to cross Panama’s Isthmus. Click the button below to learn more about camel fossils found in recent Panama Canal excavations by researchers from the University of Florida’s Florida Museum of Natural History.
New Ancient Camels from Panama Canal Excavation

The Great Enterprise

In 1847, American businessman Henry Aspinwall purchased the U.S. government contract to deliver mail between Panama and Oregon. He soon planned to build a railroad across Panama to enhance his investment.

Construction conditions for the Panama Railroad were inhospitable. Many materials could not withstand the damp climate, and finding the proper terrain for tracks was challenging. In some places, solid ground lay up to 185 feet below mud. Finding workers was also difficult. Deadly diseases were a deterrent for many foreigners. While locals could make more money moving travelers on their own. Many laborers left for better opportunities.

The railroad opened in segments and, piece by piece, chipped away at all other transportation. On January 28, 1855, a locomotive passed over the entire line. The first transcontinental railroad was complete.

A Panama Railroad company stock certificate

Panama Railroad Company Stock Certificate, 1871.
II.2019.999.53.

A Panama Railroad train schedule

Train Schedule, n.d.
2000.29.145. Gift of Ted and Patsy Norris.

A kerosene lamp from a Panama Railroad passenger car against a gray background

Kerosene Lamp from Panama Railroad
Passenger Car, n.d. II.2024.999.1.
Gift of Pat and Dick Bjorneby.

A Panama Railroad commemorative train with a banner celebrating the Panama Railroad's 100th anniversary

First Continental Railroad, 100th Anniversary,
January 28, 1955. 2003.52.57.2.
Gift of Family of George and Mayno Walker.

A book cover featuring two individuals near a locomotive, titled "Ten Thousand Shall Die" by Peter Bourne

Peter Bourne Ten Thousand Shall Die, 1951. Hutchinson & Co.

This novel is set in Panama during the railroad’s construction. It uses stereotypes of an exotic and “lawless, tropical country” to relay adventure. The reality was quite different from the picturesque cover.

Mark Twain, The Chicago Republican, August 23, 1868

“It was a hard road to build. The tropical fevers slaughtered the laborers by wholesale. It is a popular saying, that every railroad tie from Panama to Aspinwall rests upon a corpse. It ought to be a substantial road, being so well provided with sleepers -- eternal ones and otherwise. It is claimed that this small railroad enterprise cost the lives of 10,000 men. It is possible.”

Colón

The swamp of Manzanillo Island was selected as the Atlantic Terminus of the railroad. For the first few months, the workers lived in the ship they arrived on. They spent their days in waist-deep water, surveying land in search of high ground. James Baldwin, the railroad’s assistant chief engineer, built a shack for himself there. It was the first permanent structure in what would become the city of Colón.

Colón was laid out on a grid, like a U.S. frontier town. This differs from other Panamanian cities that have a city center. The original construction and urban design are still evident today. Many early buildings still stand, including Christ Church By the Sea. Built in 1864 by the Panama Railroad Company, it is the oldest Episcopal Church in Central America.

A panoramic view of the city of Colón, Panama, showing a grid of buildings and streets, and ships along the coast

Colón, Panama, n.d.
2007.51.9.2. Gift of Pat Bjorneby.

An illustration of the first shack built in the swamp area of Manzanillo Island in Panama surrounded by tropical vegetation

Baldwin Print from Fessenden N. Otis’ Illustrated History of the Panama Railroad, 1861. Harper. F 1563 .O87 1861.
Latin American and Caribbean Collection Rare Books,
George A. Smathers Libraries.

A brochure about the Christ Church by-the-Sea in Panama with a photo of the church and text describing its story

Christ Church by-the-Sea Fundraising Pamphlet, n.d.
II.2022.5.17. Gift of Heywood Garlington.

Vanderbilt et al

The “Panama Route” wasn’t the only option available to travelers. In 1851, Cornelius Vanderbilt, shipping magnate and founder of SEC rival Vanderbilt University, opened a transit route across Nicaragua. He capitalized on the more temperate climate, advertising that the diseases that plagued passengers in Panama were not a problem for those traveling via Nicaragua. A ship-railway across Mexico’s Isthmus of Tehuantepec was proposed but never realized. However, with the opening of the Panama Railroad, no other transit route could compete, and most were rendered obsolete.

An illustration of a large steamship being transported overland on a train with two locomotives

Elmer L. Corthell (American, 1840 – 1916)
The Atlantic & Pacific Ship-Railway Across the Isthmus of Tehuantepec, In Mexico, January 1886. II.2020.42.8. Gift of Michael Ellman.

A newspaper clipping from 1853 advertising the Vanderbilt Nicaragua route

Daily Alta California, Vol. 4, No. 58, February 28, 1853.
Courtesy of the California Digital Newspaper Collection, Center for Bibliographic Studies and Research, University of California, Riverside.

Panamanian Independence

The railroad played a role in Panama gaining independence from Colombia in 1903. To stop the Colombian military from advancing across the country, the U.S. closed the train to all troops.

Aminta Melendez, “the heroine of the Panamanian Revolution,” took the train from Colón and alerted Panama City revolutionaries about the arrival of Colombian troops. Because of her young age and gender, she traveled without suspicion.

A collage featuring four photographs depicting events related to Panamanian Independence

Collier’s Weekly, November 28, 1903.
2004.27.746.40. Gift of Pat Bjorneby.

A portrait of Aminta Meléndez with her father Porfirio Meléndez

Porfirio Meléndez and Aminta Meléndez from Ernesto J. Castillero’s Episodios de la Independencia de Panama, 1958.
Panamá Departamento de Bellas Artes y Publicaciones del Ministerio de Educación. 986.204 C352e. Latin American and Caribbean Collection, George A. Smathers Libraries.

A typed letter from 1903 addressed to Elisco Torres from John Hubbard

Letter from John Hubbard to Elisco Torres, November 4, 1903.
Theodore Roosevelt Papers. Library of Congress
Manuscript Division. Accessed through the Theodore Roosevelt Digital Library,  Dickinson State University.

Canal Construction

After 50 years in operation, the Panama Railroad became the backbone of the Panama Canal’s construction. Trains and railway equipment moved dirt and tracks, transported workers, and distributed supplies.

Yet, the Canal’s path eventually required the relocation of the main rail line. The tremendous number of people and goods once carried by trains now moved through the waterway. From this point on, the train would play a supporting role in the life of the Canal and the Canal Zone.

The Miraflores Lower Locks Panama Canal construction site, showing excavation, workers, and machinery

Miraflores Lower Locks, August 16, 1912.
II.2022.93.11. Gift of Mickey Fitzgerald.

A screw spike against a gray a background

Screw Spike, n.d. 2007.27.2. Gift of Betsy Bivin.

A patented screw spike and plate were used on the Panama Railroad during Panama Canal construction. The damp environment required extremely hard wood for the railroad ties. Because of their density, the ties had to be bored before the spike could be put in place. This specially designed fastener helped keep the 90-pound rails from spreading and tilting – a common cause of train accidents.

Unique Cars

The Panama Railroad has used many different cars and trains to meet its unique needs. Special ironclad cars transported gold from California. Tourists rode observation cars to view the Panama Canal’s construction. Liberty trains carried sailors and soldiers of the U.S. military. And pay cars distributed wages to the workers who rode the labor trains to work every day. It took three days for the pay train to distribute 1,600 pounds of gold and 24 tons of silver currency in monthly wages to Panama Canal employees.

Sailors in white uniforms boarding and disembarking from Panama Railroad liberty trains at a station

Liberty Train, n.d.
II.2021.23.106. Gift of Brad Wilde.

Tourists aboard a Panama Railroad observation train with a uniformed official on the platform

Observation Car, n.d.
II.2018.40.13. Gift of Kathi Schue.

A large group of workers gathering around a pay car at Gorgona in the Panama Canal Zone

Pay Car at Gorgona, April 1907.
II.2021.23.106. Gift of Brad Wilde.

In 1906, President Theodore Roosevelt visited the Panama Canal. He became the first sitting president to travel outside the continental United States. A special tram was decorated for this historic visit. Foreman William Ashton sits at the controls of the tram while his daughter Emma stands at the far right.

President Theodore Roosevelt sitting with other individuals inside a Panama Railroad train car

Theodore and Edith Roosevelt Touring the Panama Canal Construction, 1906. 2013650928.
Library of Congress Prints and Photograph Division.

Two workers standing beside a Panama Railroad car named the "Yellow Peril" with a rocky terrain in the background

Panama Canal Motor Car, Old Line, Panama Railroad, 1911. 2003.100.16.3. Gift of Glenn W. Brandl.

Motorcar number 4, the “Yellow Peril,” transported George Goethals, the Panama Canal’s chief engineer, around the construction site. Motorman Samuel Grier (left) and flagman Prince George Greene (right) operated the car. They waited for “the old man,” as they called him, each morning at the train station in Culebra.

During Panama Canal construction, railroad cars were used as temporary housing for workers. Railroad cars also housed some of the 12,000
residents who lost their homes in the 1915 fire in Colón.

A family sitting inside a Panama Railroad car used as a house

Family Living in Railroad Car, n.d.
II.2018.78.3. Gift of Jennifer Glucoft.

People using railroad cars as housing after a fire in Colón, Panama

Colón Fire. Fire Victims Housed in Panama R.R.
Box Cars and Other Temporary Shelters,
May 1, 1915. II.2019.999.554.

Newspaper section with an image and text describing how Stephen J. Peart converted a railroad car into a home

Mr. Peart Living in his Railroad Car, August 23, 1968.
The Panama Canal Spillway.

Workers on a Panama Railroad labor train looking out from an open train car

Labor Train, 1940. 1999.24.4.2.

The pre-war and WWII periods were busy times for the Panama Railroad. More workers were needed to build defense installations to protect the Panama Canal. Cars designed for carrying bananas and other freight were converted to labor cars.

Named after Jeanne Bensen, the “Jeanne B” was a new caboose dedicated by the Panama Railroad in 1978. Bensen was the highest-ranking female employee in the Railroad Division at the time. The red, white, and blue car read “Gracias Por Embarcarlo por Ferrocarril” (Thanks for Shipping It By Rail) on the side.

Jeanne Bensen and another individual christening a Panama Railroad train caboose

Ethel Jeanne (Johnson) Bensen Christening Railroad Car No. 98 the “Jeanne B,” n.d. 2005.17.2. Gift of Donald Bensen.

A red, white and blue train with the text “Gracias Por Embarcarlo por Ferrocarril” on its side

The Jeanne B Caboose, n.d.
2003.93.5. Gift of Sue Greer.

Economic Impact

The opening of the railroad in Panama had an extraordinary impact on the local economy. Once passengers and goods crossed the Isthmus quickly without local muleteers, boatmen, lodging, and food along the way, the established ways of life and consistent income were decimated. The money that had once provided economic independence to the working class now moved into the pockets of the U.S.-owned railroad and steamship businesses.

Some towns from the original transit system, like Gorgona, withstood the arrival of the railroad. Yet most did not survive the subsequent Panama Canal construction and the flooding of Gatun Lake. The residents of Gorgona and many other towns were forcibly relocated. Significant changes along the crossing once again disrupted their livelihoods and homes.

An illustration of Gorgona, Panama showing a body of water, a bridge, thatched-roof houses, and hills in the background

Gorgona, Panama from Gleason’s Pictorial Drawing Room Companion, n.d. 2004.27.746.51.

A train moving building sections along the tracks with trees and buildings in the background

Moving Buildings in Sections. Gorgona, Canal Zone, 1913.
2014.160.17.

The village of Frijoles in Panama with train tracks running through it

Remains of the Village of Frijoles on Old line of Panama Railroad,
January 1912. II.2019.999.554.

The railroad significantly increased imports and trade in Panama. Many communities were impacted, including the indigenous Guna. They saw greater access to fabric, needles, and thread. The increase in materials affected the evolution of their clothing.

The Guna are known for their molas, a unique fabric panel most often used in blouses. Artisans create molas with a reverse applique technique that involves several layers of colored fabric. The multiple layers are sewn together, and then parts of each layer are cut away to reveal the design.

A Panama Railroad stoplight against a gray background

Railroad Stoplight, n.d.
II.2024.999.2.

A Panama Railroad needle dispenser against a gray background

Panama Railroad Commissary Needle Dispenser, n.d.
2004.045.021. Gift of Norma S. Martin.

A mola displaying a design of two railroad stoplights

Mola, n.d.
II.2024.4.2.

Everyday Use

The business of the railroad wasn’t always business. Much like mass transit in a large city, people used the train to travel for their daily lives. People took the train to work, to shop in neighboring townsites, and to visit the hospital. High school students rode the train to rivalry football games.

Two Panama Railroad ticket booklets against a gray background

Ticket Booklet of Edward A. Doolan, 1952.
2008.65.20.2. Gift of Trustees of Edward Doolan.

Ticket Booklet of Frank M. Hill, 1910.
2000.29.68. Gift of Ted and Patsy Norris.

Students from a Panama Canal Zone highschool celebrating on a train with streamers

Zonian, Balboa High School Yearbook, 1977.

“The Jamboree Train of ’76 carried to the Atlantic side four coaches of enthusiastic B.H.S. students. It was a time of togetherness and a time of spirit. This was a year of sweet victory as the powerful Big Red Machine brought the Jamboree trophy home!”

Anita Oberholtzer, Write of Passage

“We were fun-loving and full of school spirit; our boisterous cheers and songs allowed little rest for adult passengers on those ocean-to-ocean trips aboard the P.R.R.”
A railroad conductor with their grandson checking someone's train ticket

Conductor Davis with grandson Eddy Dolan from
Write of Passage, n.d.

A Panama Railroad conductor uniform plaque against a gray background

Conductor’s Hat Emblem, n.d.
2005.65.1. Gift of Jerry Stephenson.

People walking through the Panama Railroad station in Gamboa

Panama Railroad Station, Gamboa, Canal Zone, March 1941.
NAID: 202801411. Photographs Related to the Operation and Development of the Panama Canal Zone, National Archives.

A Rod Carew baseball card showing an illustration of Carew next to the Panamanian flag and a globe

Baseball Card of Rod Carew, 2018. II.2024.4.5.

Rod Carew was born on the Panama Railroad in 1945 while his mother took the train to the hospital. Luckily, nurse Margaret Allen and Dr. Rodney Cline, for whom Carew is named, were also on the train. They helped deliver the baby. Carew played baseball while his family lived in the Panama Canal Zone. Local newspapers trace his early success as a hitter. When he was 14, he and his mother moved to the United States. There, he became a professional Major League Baseball player and Hall of Famer.

Tourist Train

Throughout its history, the Panama Railroad has offered a novel experience to many. Special train trips and keepsakes celebrated major anniversaries. Souvenirs served as reminders of the trip for sightseers and mementos for residents.

A large group of people viewing the Panama Canal construction in rocky terrain near a tourist train

Tourist Train, 1910.
2011.21.16.

A brochure cover in blue and white displaying information about traveling aboard the Panama Railroad

Tourist Brochure, n.d.
2002.75.9. Gift of Robert and Marcia Jones.

A tourist Panama Railroad snack box with an image of a train and a map of a railroad route

Snack Box, n.d.
II.2024.4.1.

Two Panama Railroad souvenir glasses set against a gray background that have red and white illustrations of trains and a logo

Souvenir Glass, n.d.
II.2017.999.31.

A 100th anniversary Panama Railroad souvenir pass displaying an illustration of a train

100th Anniversary Souvenir Pass, 1955.
2005.58.1. Gift of Douglas Schmidt.

A 150th anniversary Panama Railroad souvenir pass displaying a logo and a color illustration of a train

150th Anniversary Souvenir Pass, 2005.
II.2019.999.132.

Changes

The Panama Railroad has adapted and evolved throughout its long life. It saw less traffic after the 1869 opening of the transcontinental railroad across the United States, the completion of the Panama Canal in 1914, and the construction of the first highway across the Isthmus. The ever-increasing number of roads and cars also reduced its importance in the everyday lives of residents. As part of the Canal Treaty, the U.S. transferred railroad control to Panama on September 30, 1979.

In recent years, the railroad has played a critical role in the Canal’s daily functions. When the level of Gatun Lake is too low, ships must offload cargo to become lighter and higher in the water. This cargo is put onto the railroad and moves to the opposing port, where it goes back onto the ship after it has crossed the Canal.

An envelope commemorating the last day of U.S. operation of the Panama Railroad with a logo, postage stamp, and handwritten address

Envelope, 1979.
II.2019.13.4. Gift of Dennis McAuliffe Jr.

A black and yellow train passing through grassy terrain with a body of water and the Panama Canal in the background

Train Near Pedro Miguel Locks, n.d.
II.2022.96.3. Gift of Valerie McAlister-Hageman.

A crane from the Panama Canal loading cargo unto a train with grassy terrain and mountains in the background

Mi-Jack Crane Loading Cargo onto a Train, n.d.
Gift of the Panama Canal Museum.

Panama Railroad ties and rails stacked together against a gray background

Panama Railroad Ties and Rails

The wood slices are pieces of Panama Railroad ties, made from regional hardwood to withstand the constantly wet environment. The Panama Railroad tracks were completely rebuilt in 2000-2001. The rails are 136 pound* continuously welded rail. The wood ties were replaced with concrete ones. (*Pounds of the rail are per yard)

This online exhibit is based on the exhibit of the same name that is currently on display at the Albert H. Nahmad Panama Canal Gallery from April 6, 2024, to March 7, 2025. Unless otherwise noted, all items are from the Panama Canal Museum Collection, Special & Area Studies Collections, George A. Smathers Libraries, University of Florida.

PANAMA CANAL MUSEUM COLLECTION
UNIVERSITY OF FLORIDA GEORGE A. SMATHERS LIBRARIES EXHIBITION PROGRAM, 2024
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