Ferdinand Marie, Vicomte de Lesseps (1805-1894), was the French developer of the Suez Canal, which joined the Mediterranean and the Red Sea for the first time in 1869, and substantially reduced sailing distances and times between Europe and India.
He attempted to repeat this success with an effort to build a sea level canal in Panama during the 1880s, but the project failed and was finally completed by the United States in 1914, once developments in medicine had been made regarding malaria and yellow fever.
In his book, “The Path Between the Seas,” David McCullough described Ferdinand De Lesseps as follows:
“He kept in excellent physical condition. He exercised regularly—fencing, riding—and with the zest of a man half his age. He looked at least ten to fifteen years younger than he was. An admiring American of the day described him as ‘a small man, French in detail with…what is called a magnetic presence.’
A reporter for the New York Herald provided this description:
He bears his years with ease and grace, showing no sign of age in his movements, which are quick and frequent, though never jerky…His hair is almost white. His eyes are black, large, restless, and fringed by heavy lashes over which are shaggy eyebrows. His face is tanned…and ruddy with the evidence of perfect health. A mustache is the only one hirsute adornment on his face. It is small, iron-gray, bristling and has an aggressive look. In stature he is a little below medium height. His bearing is erect, his manner suave, courteous and polished.”
On a recent visit to Casco Viejo I saw a bust of this great man who had a great vision and a most determined mind. During his life he was both a hero and a villain. Regardless of how History judges him, he was man who dared to do extraordinary things. The results is something else.
Below are two photographs of his bust located at Plaza de Francia right in front of the French Embassy. Here we go.
Photograph of Ferdinand Marie, Vicomte de Lesseps (1805-1894) promoter of the Suez and Panama Canal. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)
An artistic version of previous photograph of Ferdinand Marie de Lesseps made by Michael Moore, a professional photographer. (Credit: Omar Upegui R./Michael Moore)
If it were not for this great man of vision, the history of the world would have been a lot different. He made a difference, and that’s what it is all about. Panama is grateful for what he did. Good Day.
Dear Mr. Upegui:
Thanks for your posts and pictures on the Panama Canal history. I´m sure you will enjoy exploring this site http://www.cristinahenriquez.com. She (31) is the author of a debut novel The World in Half set in Panama and published this month of April. Since her parents were here recently, she sent me a courtesy copy of the novel which I finished reading yesterday. Last night, Cristina was at Barnes & Noble Tribeca, NY as part of tour around the United States. I happens that many years ago I met her parents even before the Panamanian Pantaleón Henriquez III (we call him Terce), married my American friend-sister Virginia Balling. I was suprised when she started learning to write big block letters. Even from very early, I knew she was going to be an excelent writer.
I wanted to send this as a private message, but didn´t found your address. Anyhow, I hope the World in Half touch the heart of your readers in similar ways it has touched mine.
Regards,
Hello AS:
I’m glad you have been enjoying Lingua Franca’s posts and pictures about the history of the Panama Canal. It’s a fascinating story courage, determination and character.
I will certainly take a look at the book, “The World in Half” written by Cristina Henríquez. I’m sure I will learn many new things. Life is all about learning, forgetting and learning again.
Thank you for your usual comments.
Regards,
Omar.-
Wow, found your site while searching for Gorgas Hospital.
I was born in Panama at Clinica San Fernando. Lived in the CZ until 1976. Returned last year after 32 years, and had some closure and really enjoyed it. The people of Panama are so fantastic and beautiful.
I am enjoying your pictures. Have you any of Summit Gardens? That was a lovely place when I was a youngster.
Hello Joe:
Returning to Panama after 32 years probably was a great surprise for you. Many things are changing, even as we speak. Thank you for your opinion on behalf of the Panamanian people.
Summit Gardens, the Bridge of the Americas, what is left of the Balboa ferrie that crossed the canal behind the Florida State University, the French and American Cemetery at Corozal, and the Miraflores and Pedro Miguel’s locks are in the pipeline. Please remain connected and you shall see more pictures of what was once the Panama Canal Zone.
Best Regards,
Omar.-