Panama’s Pirate History is Rated… Arrrrgggghhh!

In one of history’s love / hate relationships, Panama has come to celebrate figures from its pirate laden past. One of the more cold hearted villains in Panamanian history was Henry Morgan. Morgan and his crew laid waste to Portobelo in 1671.

Morgan began his pirating under the tutelage of famed Dutch privateer, Edward Mansvelt. When Morgan proved an exceptionally blood thirsty apprentice, Mansvelt promoted Morgan to one of his top captains.

By 1668, Morgan’s sphere of influence was sufficient to allow him to build one of the larges pirate armies ever assembled. At the peak of his power, Morgan 21 ships and commanded more than 700 men.

Mansvelt had long entertained designs on Panama. What buccaneer wouldn’t be drawn by the lure of one of the world’s great natural harbors combined with a steady flow of Spanish Galleons laden with gold? Morgan took up Mansvelt’s dream in 1671.

Early in the day, Morgan and his crew took Portobelo by surprise. He and 400 of his men left their ships to attack the settlement from the landward side. The remains of Portobelo were still smoldering when Morgan sent the Governor of Panama a ransom demand. Morgan demanded 100,000 pieces of eight for what was left of the town and its inhabitants. The ransom was paid and Panama’s saw no more of black hearted Buccaneer.

High adventure and tales of hidden treasure are a part of Panamanian culture and lore. You can buy a piece of Panamanian history when purchase a vacation or retirement home in Panama.

Visit soon, and when you order a frosty Pina Colada made with Captain Morgan’s rum, cast your eyes seaward. Some say that when the sun sets low on the horizon, you can still see Henry Morgan astride the decks of his mighty pirate ship.

For more information about Panama travel, tourism, and locations contact Panama Travel Group today.

info@panamatravelgroup.com

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