By:Athenas Athanasiadis

Athenas, Guide Tour, Prof. Guevara-Man, Vikky, Pedro, Erick and Enivel at the San Lorenzo Fort.

Our field trip to Colon on July 4 was a very good experience, in which we had the opportunity to relate what we have read and listened to in class.

First thing in the morning, we took the train from Panama City to Colon; this train has an interesting story. Due to this train, the construction of the Canal was possible, and had also a very important role in our Independence from Colombia; according to our guide, the Colombian army sent around 500 soldiers in order to stop the information of the first movement of independence or “grito de independencia” in Colon to be known in the rest of the Republic of Panama. The patriots used a good strategy; they sent by train a little girl with a letter that contained information about what have happened; that the separation was already done.

“Rio Chagres”

Our next stop was at the Gatun Locks, which are one of the three locks that allows the vessels to transit through Panama’s river system. They are very important for the commerce and the economy because it shortens distances between the Pacific Ocean and the Atlantic Ocean. During our visit we had the opportunity to see a “Panamax” ship passing through Gatun Locks, they are the biggest ships allowed to transit through the locks, but the demand is increasing and vessels are getting bigger; that is why the Panamanian government decided to build a third set of locks.

Part of the Fort of San Lorenzo

Then we went to the Fort of San Lorenzo which was a strategy point during the Spanish period and the U.S.A military period, the Spaniards used it to protect the coast from pirate’s attacks and it was also used to transport gold, silver, and species. During World War II the United States army installed artillery to protect the coast and the Canal.

Our “big eyes” friend at the Smithsonian Institute.

Our last stop was at Punta Galeta where the Smithsonian tropical research institute is located; there we learned the importance of the mangrove ecosystems and the reason why we must be careful with nature. I would like to note that through the entire trip we could see that Colon is a city rich both in culture and history.