HISTORIC TIMELINE
1821Independence from Spain
Panama breaks away from Spanish rule and joins Gran Colombia.
1831Dissolution of Gran Colombia
Gran Colombia dissolves, and Panama becomes part of the Republic of Colombia.
1903Secession from Colombia
With U.S. backing, Panama secedes from Colombia.
1914Completion of the Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is completed by the United States Army Corps of Engineers.
1977Torrijos–Carter Treaties
Treaties signed to transfer control of the Panama Canal to Panama by 1999.
1979Return of Canal Territory
The surrounding territory of the Panama Canal is returned to Panama.
1999Transfer of Canal Control
The United States officially hands control of the Panama Canal to Panama.
2016Panama Canal Expansion
The expansion project of the Panama Canal is completed, doubling its capacity.