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Sydney Bacon Williamson (1865-1939) was born on April 15, 1865 in Lexington, Virginia to VMI Professor Thomas H. Williamson (1813-1888) and Julia A. Lewis (1820-1887). He graduated from Virginia Military Institute (VMI) in 1884, and shortly thereafter began a distinguished career in civil engineering.
Most notably, Williamson served as Division Engineer of the Pacific Division of Panama Canal from 1907 to 1914. He was responsible for wet and dry excavation of the Pedro Miguel and Miraflores Locks. He also helped design and oversaw construction of the Pacific Terminal docks, the water supply, sewers, roads, and streets for the towns of the division, including the city of Panama.
During World War I, Williamson served as Lieutenant Colonel of Engineers in France.
Explore photos of Williamson and the Panama Canal below. Explore the Sydney B. Williamson papers collection here.
One of the formal social events attended by Americans living in Panama.
An interior view of Williamson’s residence.
Workers prepare to pour the first concrete at the Pedro Miguel Lock site.
From January to February 1909, President William H. Taft visited Panama to inspect construction.
Williamson (font left) with other engineers in a railway car.
Pedro Miguel Locks as seen looking North from the East bank.
Williamson supervising concrete being pouring on the center wall of Miraflores Locks.
A steam shovel and hydraulic excavation in canal prism South of Miraflores Locks.
Lower locks, electrical conduit, and floor culvert at the upper end of East Lock.
The West end of Miraflores Spillway Dam.
The first boats navigate through Miraflores Locks.
