Panama Canal Construction Photographs

A collection of 74 photographic images, most 3¼ x 5½ inches, a few smaller. Mixed processes; some black & white, a few sepia tones. Some may be contact prints. Images selectively depicting the construction period of the Panama Canal, 1904–1914. Fifty photographs in the collection document major engineering projects: building of the locks, test transits, Culebra Cut digging, dredging operations, etc. In addition, images of iconic Canal Zone buildings during construction: Administration Building, Tivoli Hotel, Canal Zone towns, etc. The remaining 24 photographs show views of Panama City, Portobelo historical ruins, Taboga Island, bullfighting ring, etc. Social norms of the period are documented in a few images, such as, a sign reading “These Paths for Gold Employees Only” (paths for white employees only.) The collection’s metadata description is provided in English and Spanish thanks to a collaboration between Northwestern University Transportation Library staff and Panama Canal Authority Roberto F. Chiari Library former Library Director Mr. Rolando Cochez and Mr. Isaac E. Carranza, Library Technician.