The History of Pirates in Panama

 

Panama 1671

Relocating to a new country, whether full-time resident or snowbird, opens a world of adventure. Looking back through the history of Panama enhances the experience and understanding of the country and its people.

Archeologists have determined Panama Viejo has been occupied, either directly or indirectly, for 1500 years.

The geographic location connected trade routes from North and South America. Precious metals from Peru were transported through Panama to the old world.

In 1519, Pedrarias Davila, founded and claimed Panama for Spain.

By 1670, Panama City was the New World’s most prosperous. So it remained until January 1671. The riches extracted required transport to Spain and this attracted English and French pirates to the area.

Panama had mixed results for the pirates. Francis Drake, after pillaging Panama for twenty years and being knighted by the queen of England, died of illness in Portobelo. Francois Olannais died by the Darien tribes.

Others fared better including Edward Mansvelt, who took a young Henry Morgan under his wing as patron. Morgan was born in Wales in 1635 (ish). Indentured in Barbados, once released he began associating with criminals which led to the pirate ships.

Though often depicted as a rabble rousing gang of cutthroats, the pirate code was surprising detailed regarding division of the bounty and payouts for disabilities occurring ‘on the job’. A few of these original codes remain though often were destroyed to not be used as evidence.

Alexandre Olivier Exquemelin authored one of the most important sourcebooks of 17th-century piracy, Pirates (Buccaneers) of America, which has provided us a glimpse into the days of the swashbucklers. A physician and friend of Morgan, he published his memoirs in 1678 in Amsterdam which was translated into several languages.

Morgan’s code included sections on the distribution of wealth based on rank or role down to the lowliest of the crew, including a ‘no prey, no pay’ clause, and loss of limbs payout amounts in pieces of eight or slaves.

The buccaneers signed these codes which also included prescribed punishment for theft or harm.

By 1671, Morgan had amassed his own flotilla and was the scourge of the area. In January, Morgan attacked Panama. The governor escaped but not before setting the munitions ablaze resulting in the burning of the entire city. Four weeks of looting yielded 175 donkeys laden with gold, silver, and other precious metals and 600 prisoners.

Though tried for piracy in England, public sentiment led to the title of baron being bestowed on the famous criminal.

The bounty pleased King Charles II of Spain who rewarded Morgan with the position of Lieutenant Governor of Jamaica from 1680 – 1682, died in 1688 a wealthy and respected man.

In the case of Henry Morgan, a life of crime paid off handsomely.

Panama did not fare so well. The newly appointed governor’s assignment to rebuild the city failed.

Abandoned for two centuries, the historical and architectural remains were designated The Panama Historical Monument Complex ( Panama La Vieja) in 1976. In 2003, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee added the site to the World Heritage list.

Restoration following heritage protection laws and advisory commenced in 1997 and work continues to this day.

Now a popular destination for all, visit and wander through the historic streets and enjoy some of the finest restaurants, rooftop patios, and shopping Panama has to offer.

By Kim Hamilton-Atkinson