Alfred Nobel- The Dynamite Trail to Panama

Alfred Nobel 1833-1896. Image thanks to Nobelprize.org.

When we hear the name Alfred Nobel we immediately associate it with the revered Peace Prize that is awarded every year in Stockholm to a number of deserving candidates in the arts or sciences who have earned the recognition through their hard work and professional achievements. Actually, since 1901, the Nobel Prize has been awarded for achievements in physics, chemistry, physiology or medicine, literature as well as for peace. What we don’t associate his name with is the explosive- and I mean this literally- history of the substance known as dynamite, which he improved and named and which made him an extremely wealthy individual.

Hospital History of Panama- Colon Hospital

A vintage postcard image of Colon Hospital thanks to panamarailroad.org.

An old photo of one of the Sisters of Charity that might have staffed the original Colon Hospital under the French. image nunsandsisters.com

From the very beginning in 1881 the French Compagnie Universelle du Canal Interoceanique started construction of a hospital in the city of Colon by first choosing a beautiful site by the shores of the Caribbean Sea in the northern part of Manzanillo Island.  This choice location provided fresh cross ventilation and the wonderful eternally present sea air which carried currents of relief for its many patients. At that time it earmarked a budget of $ 1 million for the building and equipping of this respected institution.

The Panama Canal Death Tolls

A crew of West Indian "Powder Men" transporting 50 lb. boxes of dynamite on their heads.

By Lydia M. Reid

The actual building of the Panama Canal which, unknown to many, was carried out in two phases, brought in a whole new series of factors in calculating the cost of building an engineering marvel of the kind that was inaugurated in 1914 in the tiny republic of Panama.  The first building phase known as the French Period lasted ten years from 1881-1889.  It, as well as the American Period, 1904-1914, will be remembered for its audacity but, more than for its boldness and engineering innovation, it will recall the enormous price paid in human life.