Gallery: Maps Show the Long History of Nicaragua's Canal Dreams

  • Image may contain Plot Diagram Map and Atlas
    David Rumsey Map Collection
    01

    1866 detail

    Detail of an 1866 map showing the Pacific end of a canal route through Nicaragua.
  • Image may contain Plot Diagram Plan Map and Atlas
    David Rumsey Map Collection
    02

    1789005

    A larger view of the same 1866 map, including an elevation profile.
  • Image may contain Diagram Map Atlas and Plot
    David Rumsey Map Collection
    03

    1885

    A page from an 1885 Broadstreet pocket atlas showing a canal route through Nicaragua.
  • Image may contain Diagram Map Atlas and Plot
    David Rumsey Map Collection
    04

    1858

    Detail from an 1858 map, including an inset showing the canal's location within Central America..
  • Image may contain Landscape Outdoors Nature Scenery Art Painting and Land
    Library of Congress
    05

    1870s

    A panoramic view of a canal through Nicaragua published in the 1870s.
  • Image may contain Landscape Outdoors Nature Art Painting Plot Scenery Map Diagram and Land
    06

    ma001012carib

    Detail of the Caribbean side of the canal from the previous map.
  • Image may contain Diagram Map Atlas and Plot
    Library of Congress
    07

    ma001012pacific

    Detail of the Pacific side of the canal from the 1870s map.
  • Image may contain Text Newspaper Plot Diagram and Map
    David Rumsey Map Collection
    08

    1939

    A 1939 map from the San Francisco Examiner, arguing for the need for an alternative in case the Panama canal were attacked or sabotaged.