Picture by Steven Lee
The route through Panama combined a sea voyage from the East Coast of the United States with an overland journey through Panama. Once across the isthmus of Panama, the gold seekers sought passage on a ship to San Francisco. While this route was faster, it was also more expensive than the other two routes. In addition, ships' passage from Panama to San Francisco was not guaranteed. Many gold seekers were left stranded in Panama, waiting for a ship to carry them to California.
Click on the links below to learn more.
General Information
Traveling to California
through Panama - Information about the specific ships which
traveled the route
The Panama Railroad - General Information about the route
Gold Rush Days on the Isthmus - Detailed information about the journey through Panama
Crossing the Isthmus of Panama before the Canal - History of Panama before and during the Gold Rush
Panama's Roll in the Gold Rush - General information about the route and the beginnings of the Rush
What I Saw in California by Edwin Bryant - personal accounts of his journey
The Panama Railroad - General Information about the route
Gold Rush Days on the Isthmus - Detailed information about the journey through Panama
Crossing the Isthmus of Panama before the Canal - History of Panama before and during the Gold Rush
Panama's Roll in the Gold Rush - General information about the route and the beginnings of the Rush
Primary
Sources
The
Diary of Frank McCreary - Personal account of his journeyWhat I Saw in California by Edwin Bryant - personal accounts of his journey