Isthmian Canal Commission
Encyclopedia
The Isthmian Canal Commission (often known as the ICC) was an American administration commission set up to oversee the construction of the Panama Canal
in the early years of American involvement. Established in 1904, it was given control of the Panama Canal Zone
over which the United States
exercised sovereignty. The commission reported directly to Secretary of War
William Taft.
It was initially composed of seven members, appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt
but this was later reduced to three on the recommendation of John Findlay Wallace
, the Chief Engineer
. It was widely criticized for its perceived bureaucracy, and failure to produce any significant improvements in the early years of construction. In 1906 when a new Chief Engineer John Stevens
was appointed, he wasn't a member of the Commission. He increasingly ended up bypassing the Commission and sending requests and demands straight to the Roosevelt Administration in Washington.
Panama Canal
The Panama Canal is a ship canal in Panama that joins the Atlantic Ocean and the Pacific Ocean and is a key conduit for international maritime trade. Built from 1904 to 1914, the canal has seen annual traffic rise from about 1,000 ships early on to 14,702 vessels measuring a total of 309.6...
in the early years of American involvement. Established in 1904, it was given control of the Panama Canal Zone
Panama Canal Zone
The Panama Canal Zone was a unorganized U.S. territory located within the Republic of Panama, consisting of the Panama Canal and an area generally extending 5 miles on each side of the centerline, but excluding Panama City and Colón, which otherwise would have been partly within the limits of...
over which the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
exercised sovereignty. The commission reported directly to Secretary of War
United States Secretary of War
The Secretary of War was a member of the United States President's Cabinet, beginning with George Washington's administration. A similar position, called either "Secretary at War" or "Secretary of War," was appointed to serve the Congress of the Confederation under the Articles of Confederation...
William Taft.
It was initially composed of seven members, appointed by President Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore Roosevelt
Theodore "Teddy" Roosevelt was the 26th President of the United States . He is noted for his exuberant personality, range of interests and achievements, and his leadership of the Progressive Movement, as well as his "cowboy" persona and robust masculinity...
but this was later reduced to three on the recommendation of John Findlay Wallace
John Findlay Wallace
John Findlay Wallace was an American Engineer and Administrator, best known for serving as the Chief Engineer of the Panama Canal between 1904 and 1906...
, the Chief Engineer
Chief Engineer
In marine transportation, the chief engineer is a licensed mariner in charge of the engineering department on a merchant vessel. "Chief engineer" is the official title of someone qualified to oversee the entire engine department; the qualification is colloquially called a "chief's...
. It was widely criticized for its perceived bureaucracy, and failure to produce any significant improvements in the early years of construction. In 1906 when a new Chief Engineer John Stevens
John Frank Stevens
John Frank Stevens was an American engineer who built the Great Northern Railway in the United States and was chief engineer on the Panama Canal between 1905 and 1907.- Biography :...
was appointed, he wasn't a member of the Commission. He increasingly ended up bypassing the Commission and sending requests and demands straight to the Roosevelt Administration in Washington.