Details About Panama City

Spain settled Panama City in 1519 on the site of an Indian fishing village. Gold and other valuable goods often passed overland through the city to the Caribbean, making Panama a target for thieves. In 1671 British Pirate Henry Morgan tore through town, leaving behind total ruins. Two years later, Panama was rebuilt on a nearby site. The city was still ravaged repeatedly until 1746, when the trade route was changed. Panamas independence came in 1903, and Panama City was declared the capital. After the Panama Canal was completed in 1914, the city became an important international business centre.