The Last Zonian

What is a Zonian? A Zonian is a US citizen that lived and/or worked in the Panama Canal Zone prior to October 1, 1979.

On September 7, 1977, President Jimmy Carter signed two treaties between the United States and Panama. First, the Neutrality Treaty ensured the neutrality of the Panama Canal and that the US military could defend the Canal to assure that stance. Second, the Panama Canal Treaty specified that on October 1, 1979, the US unincorporated territory known as the Panama Canal Zone would be abolished and cease to exist. Additionally, the treaty stated that on December 31, 1999, complete control of the Canal would pass to Panama. The execution of the treaty commencing in 1979 is referred to as “The End of an American Era.”

The Last Zonian is a compilation of twenty family stories, snippets, of life in the Panama Canal Zone, referred to as, “A slice of paradise.” The book’s ending will intrigue readers with the revelation of The Last Zonian.