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Trains at Work on the Panama Canal
The first image featured today is an informal photograph included in an album of film negatives that were taken in 1909 by A.G. Bedell. It shows a work crew standing on the tracks by a locomotive while a steam shovel loads a dirt car in the background. Beyond the year and photographer, we don’t have any additional information about the image.
As mentioned in a previous post, there were many photographs taken by laborers during their time working on the Canal. The next two images are from the same series and, like the one pictured above, are informal shots in which the railroad’s role in construction is evident. We have very little information about the images and would welcome your input.
Finally, the last image showing the railroad in use is an official government photograph that was shot in 1904. This terrific photograph really captures the complexity of the work that was done in the Culebra Cut, showing steam shovels, locomotives with French dump cars, and (zoom in to see details) men with shovels digging on the sides of the banks.
As always, we welcome any specific details you might have about the photographs, as well as any recollections about ancestors who worked with the railroad during construction or any other comments you would like to add.
Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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Old Box Car Bodies Used as Living Quarters
The image featured today is another 1910 government photograph that focuses on the relocation of the Panama Railroad. The reuse and repurposing of materials in constructing living quarters to accommodate the large workforce is something that is seen in quite a few images documenting the Construction Era, in both official photographs and informal snapshots.
What can you tell us about the railroad relocation project from 1910 or about this image in particular? We would also love to hear any recollections about ancestors who might have worked for the Panama Railroad or who worked on the relocation project.Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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Pacific Entrance of the Panama Canal Showing Also Train Yard at La Boca
This is one of a number of photographic postcards by I.L. Maduro Jr. in the PCM Collection. It features a nice view of the Canal in the distance, and like a great many other images from the Canal Zone area, some part of the railroad is visible in the frame.
We have a number of Maduro postcards and would like to know the approximate date this one was taken, along with anything else you might like to share.Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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View of a Train Approaching
As noted in a previous post featuring government photographs of the Panama Railroad, there were many people working on the Canal who took photographs to keep as mementos or to send home to share the things that they were seeing and experiencing. The following such image has no information associated with it, so we would love to hear about the probable date, place, and any other information you may wish to add.
Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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Relocation of the P.R.R., 1910
The full title of this government photograph reads Relocation P.R.R. – The Quebrancho Bottom, looking South. This embankment will be 1700 feet long and contain 800,000 cubic yards. June 1910.
The Panama Railroad was intricately tied to Canal construction efforts, and many great photographs of the railroad and associated equipment in use document this history. We would love to hear any thoughts or information pertaining to the track relocation as seen here, or to the use of the railroad and other parts of this interesting history.Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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Front Street and Panama R.R. Yard. Colon, 1907
Today we are featuring the second train-related image in the series of posts celebrating the 160th anniversary of the Panama Railroad and leading up to the Panama Canal Society Reunion. This Construction Era image is part of the extensive photographic documentation undertaken by the U.S. Government during that time period.
Please feel free to share any recollections that you might have of seeing old photographs of this area, impressions of how it changed over time, and other thoughts or information you feel like sharing.
Later on we will feature more of these official photographs, along with snapshots created by workers and tourists.
Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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Panama Railroad
The date of the annual Panama Canal Society Reunion in Orlando is fast-approaching and in anticipation we will be featuring images related to the Panama Railroad between now and July 3rd, commemorating the 160th anniversary of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015).
As always, we welcome your input on people, places, dates, events, and other information related to the featured images. Perhaps more importantly, however, we would love to hear about your own stories and family histories that intersect with any aspect of the Panama Railroad–from details about an ancestor who helped to lay the original track to your own recollections of your experiences on a memorable excursion.
If you are planning to attend the reunion, please drop by the museum room and visit our table to say hello.
We will have a display of photographs related to the Panama Railroad Company, plus an ongoing slideshow featuring lots of P.R.R. items from different UF collections. The popular town site maps will also be on display again this year.
We are looking forward to seeing everyone soon, and to reading your comments related to the railroad!
Celebrating 160 Years of the Panama Railroad (1855-2015)
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Cacti and shrubbery
We have this interesting photograph of some cacti growing in Panama!
Where might this photograph have been taken?
Do you know where to find cacti in Panama?
Please share with us in the comments section below!
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Cine Victoria
The building in the photograph has a sign out front saying “Cine Victoria”.
What is this “Cine Victoria”?
Where was this photograph taken?
What can you tell us about this photograph?
Please share with us in the comments section below!
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Three men and two women
We don’t have much information on this object. Please help us add more!
Can you identify anyone in this photograph?
When do you think this photograph might have been taken?
Please share with us in the comments section below!
