During the construction of the Panama Canal by the United States of America (1904–1914) geology was conspicuous by its absence, despite the problems with landslides, first experienced during the French construction venture (1880–1889), and especially in the Gaillard Cut through the Continental Divide. In 1913, the United States Geological Survey seconded a young geologist on their staff, Donald MacDonald, to reside on the Canal for the remainder of the construction period. Although too late to assist with the control of the slides, his studies of their causes, and of the local geology, received the highest praise from the Committee of Enquiry appointed by the United States National Academy of Sciences in 1915 after two bad slides had effectively closed the Canal for 6 months. The report of this important committee, composed equally of civil engineers and geologists, is one of the "classics" of early geotechnical literature. And MacDonald was a Canadian from Pictou County, Nova Scotia! An outline of his life is presented as a tribute to this pioneer Canadian geotechnical worker, still virtually unknown. Key words : Panama Canal, Donald MacDonald, geology, landslides, geotechnical pioneer.
