About this Unit
Fort Clayton was a United States Army installation located in the Panama Canal Zone (CZ), near Panama City. Established in the early 20th century, it served as a key headquarters for U.S. Army South and other military units responsible for the defense of the Panama Canal. Throughout its history, Fort Clayton housed command elements, support units, and families, playing a central role during World War II and throughout the Cold War. The base was handed over to Panama in 1999 as part of the Torrijos-Carter Treaties, marking the end of nearly a century of U.S. military presence in the region.
Historical Facts
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Strategic Location: Fort Clayton was a major U.S. Army base located near Panama City, Panama, on the Pacific side of the Panama Canal, serving as a key strategic site for the defense of the canal.
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Long U.S. Presence: The base was established in 1919 and remained under U.S. control until its transfer to Panama in 1999, as part of the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.
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Headquarters Role: Fort Clayton served as the headquarters for the United States Army South (USARSO), the command responsible for U.S. Army operations throughout Central and South America.
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Operation Just Cause: During the 1989 U.S. invasion of Panama (Operation Just Cause), Fort Clayton was a key staging area and command post for U.S. forces involved in the removal of General Manuel Noriega.
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Military Community: At its peak, Fort Clayton housed thousands of U.S. military personnel, their families, DOD civilians, and Panamanian employees, boasting schools, a hospital, and recreational facilities.
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Jungle Warfare Training: The base and its surroundings were used for jungle warfare training, taking advantage of the local rainforest environment to prepare troops for operations in similar terrains.
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Diplomatic Significance: The base symbolized U.S. influence in Latin America and was often a focal point for both diplomatic engagement and tensions between the U.S. and Panama.
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Transition to Civilian Use: After its turnover, Fort Clayton was transformed into the "Ciudad del Saber" (City of Knowledge), a hub for innovation, research, and education, hosting international organizations and universities.
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Canal Defense Network: Fort Clayton was part of a larger network of U.S. installations protecting the canal, alongside bases like Fort Amador, Fort Kobbe, and Albrook Air Force Base.
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Cultural Legacy: The base is fondly remembered by many American families who lived there, with numerous online communities and social media groups dedicated to sharing memories, photographs, and stories from Fort Clayton.
