Over the years of the Panama Railroad's existence, several U

Over the years of the Panama Railroad's existence, several U.S. Presidents have crossed the Isthmus using it. Below is a list of these individuals who traveled on the railroad, whether as Presidents or before holding the office, along with a brief historical context of their visits: Ulysses S. Grant: He was in Panama in 1852 while serving as a member of the United States Armed Forces. At that time, the railroad was only partially completed. He boarded the train in Aspinwall (now Colón) and traveled halfway before transferring to boats to continue his journey along the Chagres River.

He had been sent to the West Coast as part of the Fourth Infantry. While no photographic evidence exists, there are records from his journals. Theodore Roosevelt: He visited Panama in 1906 to inspect the progress of the Panama Canal's construction. (pictures 1, 2 with president Amador Guerrero and 3) William Taft: He was in Panama in February 1909, also to review the canal's construction progress, as President-elect. (4) Franklin D. Roosevelt: In 1940, he visited Panama informally.

However, in 1912, he inspected the progress of the Panama Canal's construction as a New York State Senator, a visit documented in photographs. (5) Warren G. Harding: He visited the Canal Zone as President-elect in 1920. The only record found is a frame from a recording showing the President helping his wife disembark from a special railroad car as they departed Panama from Pier 6 in Cristóbal. (6) Richard Nixon: He visited Panama in 1955 as Vice President.

Two photographs document this visit: one showing him departing from the Colón station and another upon his arrival in Gatún. (7 and 8) Other Presidents Who Visited Panama: Dwight Eisenhower: He was in Panama within the Canal Zone during his early military career from 1924 to 1926, and later in 1946 to assess the achievements of World War II. In 1956, as President, he attended the Meeting of Presidents of the Americas. However, there are no records of him aboard the railroad.

Jimmy Carter: He was invited by President Demetrio Lakas and General Torrijos for the ceremonial signing of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties' ratification in 1978. There are no records of him aboard the railroad. George H. W. Bush: He visited Panama in 1992 for a meeting with President Endara and delivered a public speech. The railroad was not operational for passenger service at the time of his visit. George W. Bush: He met with President Martín Torrijos in Panama in 2005 but did not travel on the railroad.

Barack Obama: He visited Panama in 2015 for the Summit of the Americas, but his visit did not include a train ride.