Captain Henry Morgan - To Life, Love and Loot
You will know him because of the iconic label for Captain Morgan Rum, but it was the real Captain Morgan who plundered Panama Viejo in 1671.
I learned something very interesting while reading about the history of Panama. Not only was it Captain Morgan who was responsible for the destruction and looting of Panama Viejo, but he was actually a privateer not a pirate.
Privateers were like pirates, only legal. They were sort of like mercenaries who were allowed to attack enemy shipping and ports. In exchange, they kept most of the loot, although they did share some with the crown in some cases. Morgan was one of many privateers who had a “license” to attack the Spanish, as long as England and Spain were at war.
On January 28, 1671, Morgan was ready for one last assault on the Spanish. He gathered an army of 1,000 privateers, and met in battle on the plains outside the city of Panama Viejo. It was an utter rout, and the city defenders were scattered in short order by the well-armed invaders. Morgan and his men sacked the city and were gone before any help could arrive.
Old Town Panama City - Casco Viejo
Around 1673, Casco Viejo was established by Spanish colonialists, the Catholic Church, and other settlers. The streets were filled with buildings that served as homes, cathedrals, churches and government buildings. This period of development went on for almost 300 years. Then as economic times changed, Casco Viejo went on to experience decades of neglect around the 1950s. Now many of Casco Viejo’s historic buildings have been restored and visiting and staying in Casco Viejo has become a popular choice of many visitors to Panama. It was declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1997
Beautifully Restored Buildings
Walking in the newly developed part of Casco Viejo shows the extent to which the Government has commitment to restoring the historic and architectural history of Panama.
Spanish & French Architecture
The facades and roofs have a distinct Spanish look while the beautiful balconies have a very French look. If you have been to New Orleans, you would recognize this look.
