An Executive Order, dated March 2, 1914, effective April 1, 1914 established the Washington Office of the Panama Canal in the City of Washington in the District of Colombia. It was the successor to the Washington Office of the Isthmian Canal Commission. The Washington Office of the Panama Canal was the office of general records in the United States; and served as the headquarters and the principal office of the Purchasing Department of The Panama Canal.
The head of the Purchasing Department of The Panama Canal, under the direction of the Governor, had administrative control of the Washington Office of the Panama Canal. He served as the General Purchasing Officer for the Panama Canal, and as the Chief of the Washington Office of The Panama Canal. He was also subject to orders and supervision of the Chief of Engineers of the U.S. Army to such extent as directed by the Secretary of War.
