Roads of colonial communication in Veraguas, land and maritime

Abstract

This work analyzes the creation, evolution, and functions of communication channels in the colonial era in the current territory, including the Province of Veraguas. The classification was made in chronological stages, starting from the first visit to the current Province of Veraguas by Admiral Cristóbal Colon in 1503 and then the foundation of the towns from the end of the 16th century. Here the land connections and maritime routes used in the colonial era are described, their importance in the foundation and development of the towns in the studied areas, the use by which these communication networks were created, and their current state. In order to develop the current article, extensive written documentation, a visit to the places, graphic documentation, photographs, unpublished plans were analyzed, which were of great help to know these elements of study so essential in the history and identity of our country, the Province, its towns and the Veraguense society. A graphic database and a theoretical proposal are developed, which can be used as didactic material and for future research by professionals, students, and the cultural use of the entire Panamanian population and internationally. Also, it details the possible causes for which many of these communication channels have fallen into neglect and disuse, in conclusion, some proposals for their use from the tourist, cultural and theoretical point of view.