Fort Clayton, Military fort in Arraijan, Panama
Fort Clayton is a former military installation in Arraiján, Panama, with structures originally positioned to defend the Panama Canal. The buildings were adapted to the tropical environment and defense requirements, and now house various institutions.
The United States Army established the installation in 1920 to protect the Panama Canal, naming it after Colonel Bertram T. Clayton, who died in World War I. Handed over to Panama in 1999, this transfer marked a fundamental shift from military use to education and technological development.
The installation reflects decades of American military presence through its architecture and layout of buildings. Visitors can observe how these structures were integrated into local infrastructure and daily life.
The site is accessible by public transportation and now houses Ciudad del Saber, featuring educational institutions, technology companies, and research centers. Daytime visits are possible, though some areas may have restricted access.
Many visitors overlook that the site preserves an extensive collection of buildings from different phases of its history. These structures show how military architecture evolved and adapted to climate conditions over the decades.
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