1513--Vasco Nunez de Balboa crosses the Isthmus of Panama and discovers
the Pacific Ocean.

At the right of the central arch the panel reads:

1904--The United States succeeding France begins operations on the
Panama Canal.

The Panel at the right end of the colonnade is inscribed:

1915--The Panama Canal is opened to the commerce of the world.



The Tower of Jewels
Colonnade, The Fountain of Youth

Beyond the colonnades and the great Roman arch, on the north face of the
Tower of Jewels as it faces the Court of the Universe, are four
commemorative tablets similar to those found on the south side. The
panel at the left end of the colonnade is inscribed:

1542--Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo discovers California and lands on its
shores.

The Panel at the left of the central arch reads:

1776--Jose Joaquin Moraga founds the Mission of San Francisco de Isis.