Panama - Colombia Map Stamp 1887

Can anyone explain why this stamp and similar ones inscribed Colombia are listed in Scott under Panama. I realize the map is of Panama, but Panama was not independent until 1903.

It's the same in my Michel catalog, but no explantion there either. Interesting...

This link may help to explain it:

http://www.danstopicals.com/panama1.htm

Thanks WT, that site is actually where I borrowed the stamp , because my copy has a big blob for a postmark.

I realize it is a departmental stamp, but should it not be listed under Colombia departments in the catalogs?

To be honest, while Panama was under Colombian dominion since Colombia was able to declare independence from Spain in 1819, Panama went along for the ride, so to speak. As a smaller entity, the protection of Colombia would have been necessary in order to be free of Spain's influences. Previous to this uncomfortable marriage Panama was a separate entity from Colombia, and indeed the seat of Spanish colonial rule in the new world for 300 years. The Panama Canal plan as envisioned by Panamanian and United States leaders was the recipe for Panama's freedom as the separate and independent country it had always believed it should have been.

Part of this separation of Panama from Colombia was a real physical separation which exists to this day. The border between Panama and Colombia is an almost impassable tract of jungle and swamp which plays host to all sorts of wild and savage creatures (not to mention FARC revolutionaries and/or narco-trafficers). Colombia's 84-year hold on Panama was always tenuous at best.

From a historical perspective then. Panama can be seen as an country in its own right. From a political perspective, Panama's independence from Colombia was bolstered significantly by the US interest to build, complete a Panama Canal. The United States instantly recognized Panama's declaration of independence in November of 1903, and all but dared anyone (Colombia in particular) to say otherwise. It may be that Scott, who was never ignorant of politics, may have decided to list these stamps as Panamanian in support of America's great new endeavor. You might remember that the concept of a canal accross the Central American isthmus was a very popular idea at the time, and there was a bit of a effusive spirit of colonization among those in the US at that time (the Spanish American War conquests still being recent history).

Besides, Panama was an underdog of sorts, and Americans love an underdog. Especially one willing to provide it with a strategic advantage in the world.

From my reading, the time prior to 1903 (when Panama gained independence), it was known as part of Colombia's "Department of Panama".

I have an old Scott Album from 1896 and your stamp is listed under the section "Colombian Republic: Panama"

So it seems to me that prior to 1903's Panama Independence, Columbia was the country that printed the stamp even though the stamp was destined for use in Panama.

Great history lesson Smauggie, and follow up, WT1. I will definitely included the departmental stamps as part of my Panama collection.