had been killed in defense of their womenfolk. 
With the California gold rush, Taboga became a thriving 
commercial center and the Pacific Navigation Company estab' 
lished shops, drydocks and offices on Morro Point. Ruins of 
these buildings are still to be seen on the island but Taboga is 
famous today for its quaint fishing village, its sunny beaches, 
fine fruits and flowers. 
Written and edited by 
Agnes Wilcox Trapnell, 
Chief of Tourist Section, 
Ministry of Agriculture 
and Commerce, Republic 
of Panama. Photography by 
Sanchez y Cabredo, Foto 
Flatau, Allan Baldwin. 
TABOGA 
HE island of Taboga, in beautiful Panama Bay only 
For it was not long before news of the rich cargoes 
arriving from Peru spread abroad and soon the news that 
sails had been sighted was received with dread and alarm ^ t j 
for it was the age of piracy and terror. Hundreds of 
fearless pirates led by Sharp, Coxon, Sawkin and Harris 
crossed the high mountains of the Darien Isthmus and capturing small 
boats set out to ravage all shipping in the great Gulf of Panama. 
Little by little they became bolder and soon approached Taboga from 
which port they hoped to surround the new city of Panama. The 
King’s Fleet from Taboga fought bravely against the pirates but could 
not beat off the sea wolves who set up their headquarters on the island. 
The village of Taboga at that time had about 100 homes and all of the 
inhabitants fled in terror to Panama City leaving the pirates in complete 
possession. 
One legend dealing with the days of pirates in Taboga states that a _ 4 ^ 
beautiful young matron imprisoned by the sea wolves awoke in the pirate MMN*Y 
Morgan the strongest passion but that neither HEHr?l 
flattery nor fear could weaken the virtue and 
nobleness of this lady who made a shield of her 
f j own weakness and replied: “Sir, my life is in 
*/ your hands but you must separate my soul from 
my body before you can secure that which you 
wish because neither violence nor torment will 
fyS-Ad make me go willingly to your arms.” 
■ m When peace finally returned to the Spanish colonies, Taboga once 
again became the anchorage of the great fleets sailing southward 
and its population was largely supported by maritime commerce. 
12 miles from the Pacific Entrance of the Panama 
Canal, has always played an integral part in the history of 
Isthmian commerce and shipping. From Taboga’s fine 
deep water anchorage Pizarro set sail to discover Peru 
and from that day until the inauguration of Panama 
City’s excellent aqueduct in 1906, every ship in need 
of fresh water called at Taboga before setting sail for 
distant ports. 
It was in the quaint village of Taboga that Arch¬ 
bishop Luque waited for news of the expedition led by 
Pizarro and Almagro which he had financed from his 
private funds. With the conquest of Peru begun, Taboga 
became the home port for the King’s Fleet and hundreds 
of adventurers set sail from the island to ravage the land 
of the Incas where they exacted thousands of tons of gold 
as tribute for their king. This trade lasted for about two 
centuries and during that time, residents of Taboga kept 
