French Influence in Panama

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Panama continued maintaining it’s importance for commercial routes and the need for a fresh water canal connecting the two oceans became a dominant issue. The French arrived at the turn of the century to construct the canal, bringing with them a new wave of Italian, Hindu and Caribbean workers. This new wave of immigrants contributed greatly to the social fabric and development of the Panamanian identity. Unfortunately their effort to build a canal came to a halt when they were overwhelmed by tropical sickness and the challenges associated with working in this raw, natural landscape. Even after their departure, the French architecture remained as evidence of their efforts and involvement, most noticeably in buildings, statues, and sculptures located in Casco Viejo.

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