WHO

DATE

PROPERTY

REMARKS

1999/ Aug 1

Balboa High School (Pacific side near the Panama Canal Commission Administration Building in Balboa)

Balboa High School in the townsite of Balboa was constructed around 1933 and served as the only high school on the Pacific side of the Isthmus. [Army photo by DEH U.S. Army South, 1999]

	The Canal Zone government began planning for construction of the Balboa High School in Balboa after receiving funding in 1933. Originally intended as a college facility, the constructed complex served both as a college and a high school until 1962, when funding became available for new college facilities at La Boca.
	The school complex was composed of several buildings, including three connected buildings of the Mission Renaissance architectural style, a shop building across the street, a gymnasium (constructed in 1942), a stadium area, a Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (Jr.ROTC) building (constructed in 1958), and an auditorium. Cyclone fencing around the school complex was added after 1990.
	Balboa High School was at the center of international political history on January 9, 1964, during what had become termed the "Flag Incident." Demonstrations following Panamanian students unsuccessful request to fly the Panamanian flag in front of the school, which quickly turned into violent riots in nearby Panama City and in Colon, had a direct impact on eventual negotiations of the original 1903 treaty, resulting in the signing of the Panama Canal Treaty and Neutrality Treaty of 1977.
	Upon entry into force of the Panama Canal Treaty on October 1, 1979, all schools (including Balboa High School) under the Canal Zone Government were transferred to a new Department of Defense Dependents Schools (DODDS) - Panama Region.
	Last graduating class (98 graduates) was held May 15, 1999.

NEW USE BY PANAMA:

Major Panama Canal maritime training center complex operated by the Panama Canal Authority (Panamanian successor to the Panama Canal Commission).

Ascanio Arosemena Panama Canal Maritime Training Center -- monument (in the foreground) added in 2003 in commemoration of the martyrs of January 9, 1964 riots. [From El FARO, publication of Panama Canal Authority, 11-24 July 2003, used with permission]

Monument commemorating the martyrs of January 9, 1964 riots, viewed from entrance to Panama Canal Authority's Ascanio Arosemena Panama Canal Maritime Training Center. [From El FARO publication of Panama Canal Authority, 7-20 July 2005, used with permission]

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William H. Ormsbee, Jr. 2005

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