WHO

Part of Ancon Hill previously part of Quarry Heights, including the top of the hill, was transferred to Panama on October 1, 1979, except for a small area of communications antennas and towers at the top (including the Southern Command Radio and Television Network repeater tower for transmitting its signals to the Altantic side of the isthmus) at the top of the hill. The communications towers were transferred to Panama along with Quarry Heights on January 8, 1998.

Panamanian flag at top of Ancon Hill since October 1, 1979 -- This site has long been a favorite for organized tours of Panamanian schools' students. [ Photo courtesy of ARI from its website]

The Panamanian government erected an enormous flagstaff and support base on top of Ancon Hill in July-August 1979 for flying (day and night) a huge Panamanian flag (about the size of a basketball court) beginning October 1, 1979, as symbolic and visible display of having recovered its sovereignty over the Canal Zone. The ceremony of the flag raising on October 1, 1979, was attended by then U.S. Vice President Walter Mondale and other U.S. and Panamanian dignitaries.

Immediately after its transfer to Panama in October 1979, the Panamanian government declared part of Ancon Hill a protected forest/nature preserve to protect the varied wildlife there. Since then, Panamanian environmental authorities have been sponsoring field trips by students of Panamanian schools to the top of Ancon Hill in promoting awareness of the great biodiversity of the area on Ancon Hill and the need to conserve that resource.

Panamanian students visiting top of Ancon Hill. Remnant of an old observation tower on right. [Courtesy of ARI from its website]

As a memorial to Amelia Denis de Icaza, Panamanian poet (1830-1911), a monument was constructed on top of Ancon Hill in 2003. Her 1900 poem "Al Cerro Ancon" ("To Ancon Hill"), which venerated Ancon Hill, became a rallying symbol which influenced many Panamanians in a long struggle to recuperate it as well as the rest of the Canal Zone (after October 1979 known as the Canal Area) to Panamanian sovereignty.
Photo: Amelia Denis de Icaza Monument - Top of Ancon Hill, 2003 [Courtesy of ARI, from its website]

<<preceding page          NEXT PAGE>>

Site designed, developed, and owned by

William H. Ormsbee, Jr.  2005