The strip of land, known as the Isthmus of Panama, was formed about 3.5 million years ago.

巴拿马地峡形成于350万年前。

For thousands of years now people have been walking across the Isthmus of Panama between the two halves of America.

几千年来，人们一直步行穿过南北美洲两部分之间的巴拿马地峡。

When this exciting news reached the East, a mighty rush began to California, over the trails, across the Isthmus of Panama, and around Cape Horn.

当这个令人振奋的消息传到东方时， 人们开始涌向加利福尼亚，越过小径，穿过巴拿马地峡， 绕过合恩角。