Panama City history

Foundation and First Mentions

The history of Panama City as an independent administrative entity began in the early 20th century. The city was officially incorporated in 1909. Its emergence is closely linked to the activities of entrepreneur and developer George Mortimer West, who recognised the strategic potential of the territory along St. Andrews Bay.

The name of the city was chosen not by chance, but as a marketing move. At that time, the construction of the Panama Canal was being actively discussed worldwide. The founders wanted to emphasise that the Florida city lies on a direct geographical line between Chicago and the capital of Panama, hoping to transform it into a key transit point for trade between the USA and Central America.

Key Factors of Formation

• Geographical Location: The city is situated on the shores of the vast and deep-water St. Andrews Bay, which provides natural protection for vessels and direct access to the Gulf of Mexico.
• Transport Development: The extension of railway lines in the early 1900s connected the isolated coast with major industrial centres of the north, which stimulated an influx of population.
• Resource Base: The surrounding pine forests became the foundation for a thriving timber industry and the production of naval stores (resin and turpentine).

Early Cultural and Economic Features

Initially, the region's economy rested on "three pillars": fishing, logging, and agriculture. Until the Second World War, Panama City retained the atmosphere of an important but provincial port hub. A significant stage was the merger in 1927 with neighbouring historic settlements—St. Andrews and Millville—which significantly expanded the city's boundaries and influence.

The culture of early Panama City was formed under the influence of Southern hospitality and the rugged lifestyle of fishermen and lumberjacks. Gradually, thanks to the mild climate and beautiful beaches, the city began to attract the first tourists, laying the foundation for the future leisure industry.

Major Milestones in History

• 1908 — Completion of the railway construction, linking the coast with northern trade routes and giving impetus to the region's development.
• 1909 — Official incorporation of Panama City and approval of the name, chosen to attract attention to the then-popular Panama Canal.
• 1927 — Significant expansion of the city territory through the annexation of neighbouring historic settlements St. Andrews and Millville.
• 1929 — Opening of the first Hathaway Bridge, connecting the mainland part of the city with the beach zone across the bay.
• 1931 — Launch of a large pulp and paper mill, which became the backbone of the city's industrial economy for many years.
• 1941 — Establishment of Tyndall Air Force Base, turning the region into an important aviation training centre.
• 1942 — Opening of the Wainwright Shipyard, where over a hundred "Liberty" type ships were built, causing a sharp influx of population.
• 1945 — Creation of the US Navy Research Laboratory, which became a centre for the development of diving and marine technologies.
• 1957 — Founding of Gulf Coast State College, which became a key educational institution in the region.
• 1970s — A period of active growth in the tourism industry and the formation of the city's image as a popular seaside resort.
• 2010 — Opening of the Northwest Florida Beaches International Airport (ECP), opening new opportunities for travellers from around the world.
• 2020s — Implementation of large-scale projects to renovate the historic centre and create modern public spaces.

Evolution and Modern Appearance

Over the last decades, Panama City has undergone a deep transformation, moving far beyond its historical image as an industrial port and "paper mill town". While in the past, the rhythm of life was set by factory whistles and fishing schooners, today the economic landscape is shaped by technology, education, and the service sector. The city has successfully converted its strategic position by the bay into the status of a business and cultural hub of the region, whilst preserving the charm of a Southern province.

A crucial driver of qualitative changes has been the formation of a powerful educational cluster. The opening and development of the Florida State University (FSU Panama City) campus radically changed the demographics and intellectual potential of the city. Unlike traditional resort zones, a unique synergy has emerged here between the academic environment and the naval base. The university trains specialised experts, engineers, and researchers who work on advanced projects in the sphere of underwater technologies, attracting youth and qualified personnel to the region.

A turning point in recent history was the year 2018, when the city faced the devastating Hurricane Michael. The elements caused colossal damage, yet this also became a catalyst for unprecedented renewal. Instead of spot repairs, the authorities and residents chose the path of a complete reset of the urban environment. Large-scale projects were launched for landscaping, modernisation of storm systems, and reconstruction of the historic centre. Today's Panama City is an example of incredible resilience: old quarters have gained new wide pavements, modern public spaces, and updated architecture, making the city more comfortable and visually attractive than ever before the storm struck.

Architectural Look and Urban Planning

The architecture of Panama City is a visual chronicle of Florida's development, where traditional Southern comfort sits alongside the pragmatism of a port city and modern urban planning solutions. Unlike many metropolises, you will not find an abundance of skyscrapers here; the urban landscape was formed under the influence of the climate, maritime trade, and the necessity to withstand the elements. The look of the city can be divided into several key stages, each leaving its mark on the development.

The "Old Florida" Era and Vernacular Style

The earliest layer of development, preserved mainly in the historic district of St. Andrews, dates back to the late 19th — early 20th century. This is a classic example of so-called folk architecture (vernacular architecture) or the "Florida Cracker" style. Buildings of this period are characterised by:

• Wooden frame structures, resistant to humidity.
• Wide verandas and porches encircling the house to create shade.
• High ceilings and large windows for natural ventilation in the hot climate.
• Metal pitched roofs for the rapid drainage of tropical downpours.

Commercial Centre and Art Deco Influence

In the 1920s and 1930s, with the development of business activity, the city centre (Downtown) began to be built up with more substantial brick buildings. Along the main artery, Harrison Avenue, an ensemble of two- and three-storey commercial structures was formed. During this period, elements of styles popular at the time penetrated the city's architecture, adapted to a provincial scale:

• Restrained Classicism: Strictness of lines and symmetry of facades, characteristic of banks and administrative buildings of that time.
• Art Deco: A bright representative of this style is the Martin Theatre building. Its geometric forms, neon sign, and stylised ornaments became the calling card of the centre.

Post-War Modernism and Modern Reconstruction

In the second half of the 20th century, the city expanded through functional architecture serving military bases and industry. Buildings appeared in the mid-century modern style—simple, concise, using concrete and glass. However, the modern stage of Panama City's development, especially after 2018, is characterised by a transition to sustainable architecture. New public spaces and buildings are designed taking into account strict wind resistance standards, combining high-tech aesthetics with the reliability of a bunker.

Iconic Buildings and Districts

To appreciate the architectural diversity of the city, it is worth paying attention to the following objects:

• St. Andrews Historic District: A living open-air museum where the atmosphere of a fishing village from the beginning of the last century has been preserved.
• Martin Theatre: A pearl of the Art Deco style, built in 1936. The building has been carefully restored and retains the spirit of the "golden age" of cinema.
• Bay County Courthouse: An example of monumental administrative architecture of the early 20th century (the original building suffered from a fire in the 1920s but was restored in a classical style).
• Center for the Arts: The former City Hall building, representing an interesting example of public architecture from the mid-20th century, reimagined as a cultural space.

Distinguished Personalities of Panama City

The history of Panama City is inextricably linked with people whose ideas, talent, and activities shaped the appearance of the city and brought it fame far beyond the state of Florida. From visionary founders to musicians and athletes—each of them made their unique contribution to the development of the region.

• George Mortimer West
  Publisher, entrepreneur, "founding father" of the city
  A key figure in the history of Panama City's emergence. It was West who, in the early 20th century, assessed the economic potential of St. Andrews Bay. He not only facilitated the laying of the railway to the coast but also proposed the city's name, linking it with the Panama Canal to attract investment and trade.
• Clarence Earl Gideon
  Key figure in US legal history
  Although Gideon was a simple labourer, his name entered law textbooks. Arrested in Panama City in 1961, he independently wrote a petition to the US Supreme Court. The result was the historic decision in the case "Gideon v. Wainwright", which guaranteed the right to a free lawyer for all defendants in criminal cases in the USA.
• Robert L. F. Sikes
  US Congressman
  A politician who represented the region in Congress for nearly 40 years. Sikes played a decisive role in transforming Panama City into an important military-industrial centre. Thanks to his efforts, Tyndall Air Force Base and the Navy research laboratory were significantly expanded and modernised, ensuring the city's economic stability for decades.
• Dan Peek
  Musician, co-founder of the band America
  A native of Panama City who became a world-famous rock musician. As one of the founders of the folk-rock band America, he participated in creating hits such as "A Horse with No Name". Peek made a significant contribution to the musical culture of the 1970s, bringing fame to his hometown on the international stage.
• Kenyatta Jones
  Professional American football player, Super Bowl champion
  A native of Panama City who achieved the heights of professional sport. Jones played in the National Football League (NFL) as an offensive tackle. He gained the greatest fame playing for the New England Patriots, with whom he became a winner of Super Bowl XXXVI. His sports career serves as an inspiring example for local athletes.