This item is an inverted U rail section from the first generation of the Panama Railroad (1853-1869). This railroad was originally constructed to transport gold miners across the isthmus of Panama on their way to the gold fields of California. By traveling to Panama and taking a train to the Pacific coast of Panama and then catching another ship to California, the miners could eliminate months off of the transit time by going around the tip of South America. This rail section has a protective layer of resin. There is a handwritten note taped to the section that reads " Original rail used from 1855 - 85 on Panama Railroad ".. This section is in excellent condition. A wonderful collectible from the former Panama Canal Zone.