James S Gilbert

Beyond the Chagres River

Beyond the Chagres River,
'Tis said (the story's old),
Are paths that lead to mountains
Of purest virgin gold;
But 'tis my firm conviction
Whate'er the tales they tell
Beyond the Chagres River
All paths lead straight to Hell.

James S Gilbert, the "Poet of Panama", lived in Colon, the city near the Atlantic entrance of the Panama Canal and not far from the mouth of the Chagres River. When the Canal was being constructed yellow fever ran rife and killed 20,000 workmen and their families.

The Chagres River was said to be richest gold-bearing river in history with its gold taken away to Spain in treasure ships.

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