This comprehensive report by Rear-Admiral Charles H. Davis, Superintendent of the Naval Observatory, offers a detailed examination of potential routes for interoceanic canals and railroads connecting the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. Published by the U.S. Government Printing Office in 1867, this is the second expanded edition of a report initially presented as a "Letter of the Secretary of the Navy" the previous year.
A significant work that reflects the strategic interests and technical ambitions of the United States in seeking a suitable passage through Central America to facilitate global maritime trade.
The report comprises 37 pages of text and 14 large folding maps of Central America and northern Colombia, which illustrate the various proposed routes. The maps are essential in understanding the geographical and engineering challenges of constructing a canal or railroad across the American isthmuses. Among the most critical maps included are:
- Map #6: Panama Railroad, highlighting the established rail route across the Isthmus of Panama.
- Map #7: Map and Profile of the Route for the Construction of a Ship Canal Between the Pacific and Atlantic Oceans, presenting a proposed route through Nicaragua.
- Map #9: Map of Part of the Isthmus of Darien, focusing on the region explored as an alternative canal route.
- Map #14: Descripción de la Provincia del Darien (1781), a reproduction of a Spanish map created by Governor Don Andrés de Ariza, detailing the Darien region in the Isthmus of Panama. This hand-colored map and its accompanying report, crucial to understanding earlier exploratory efforts, were added specifically to this expanded edition.
The volume also includes extensive bibliographical references, providing lists of books and maps relevant to the subject of interoceanic communication through the American isthmuses.
Charles Henry Davis (January 16, 1807 – February 18, 1877) was an important figure in the annals of American history, blending the realms of naval expertise and astronomical prowess. Born into the tumultuous early 19th century, Davis carved out a niche for himself both as an officer in the U.S. Navy and as an astronomical researcher.
Davis's appointment as a midshipman in the U.S. Navy in 1823 would set the stage for a life of maritime ventures. Over the following two decades, he would serve aboard multiple naval vessels, including the United States, Ontario, and Vincennes, earning commendations and climbing the naval hierarchy.
Perhaps what set Davis apart from his naval peers was his work with the U.S. Coast Survey. Davis’s tenure as the first superintendent of the American Nautical Almanac Office further cemented his legacy as a maritime astronomer, bridging the gap between celestial phenomena and naval applications.
Post-war, Davis's accomplishments were manifold. His translation of Carl Friedrich Gauss's astronomical treatise showcases his intellectual pursuits. Additionally, his leadership roles, be it at the United States Naval Observatory or the Lighthouse Board, highlighted his continuous contributions to American maritime and scientific establishments.
Furthermore, Davis's involvement in the founding of the National Academy of Sciences underscores his commitment to the advancement of American scientific endeavors. His publications and research have left a lasting legacy in the realms of tidal studies, nautical astronomy, and naval strategy.