Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
PACIFIC ISLANDS
Wedged between two oceans, Panamá is an island-hoppers' dream - spend some time on
the Pacific side of things, especially if you're a fan of fiery sunsets and scenic coastlines.
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Isla Taboga
POP 1000
A tropical island with only one road and no traffic, Isla Taboga is a pleasant escape from
the rush of Panama City, only 20km offshore. With the addition of an annual festival and
boutique lodgings in the works, it's becoming more of a destination. Named the 'Island
of Flowers,' it is covered with sweet-smelling blossoms much of the year. First settled by
the Spanish in 1515, the quaint village is also home to the second-oldest church in the
Western Hemisphere. While there are better beaches elsewhere, these are a salve for the
most hardened urbanite.
History
Taboga is part of a chain of islands that was inhabited by indigenous peoples who resided
in thatched huts and lived off the bounty of the sea. In 1515 Spanish soldiers announced
their arrival by killing or enslaving the islanders and establishing a small colony. It then
became a favorite haunt for English pirates.
On August 22, 1686, the ship of English buccaneer Captain Townley was offshore
from Taboga when it was attacked by three Spanish ships. During the ensuing battle,
Townley destroyed one of the ships and took two vessels captive as well as a fourth ship
that had arrived as reinforcement. Townley sent a messenger to the president of Panama
demanding supplies, the release of five pirates being held prisoner and ransom for the
Spanish captives. When the president refused, a standoff ensued, with Townley sending
him a canoe with the heads of 20 Spaniards. With that, the pirate's demands were soon
met.
For years, peace eluded the little island in a strategic location. During the 1880s, when
the French attempted to build the canal, Taboga became the site of an enormous sanatori-
um for workers who had contracted malaria or yellow fever.
The US Navy used the broad hill facing the town for artillery practice during WWII
and even installed a number of anti-aircraft guns and machine-gun bunkers atop the is-
land. Though abandoned in 1960, these ruins can still be visited today.
 
 
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