The term was being used by at least 1828. The popularity of the hats increased in the mid-19th century when many miners of the California Gold Rush traveled to California via the Isthmus of Panama and Pacific Mail Steamship Company. In 1906, U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt visited the construction site of the Panama Canal and was photographed wearing a Panama hat, which further increased the hats' popularity. Although the Panama hat continues to provide a livelihood for thousands of Ecuadorians, fewer than a dozen weavers capable of making the finest "Montecristi superfinos" remain. Ecuadorian companies like K. Dorfzaun are specialized exporting genuine Panama Hats and supplying designer and retail brands with high quality accessories made by hand. This companies help communities sustain their traditions and intangible cultural heritage. Even though Chinese companies have been producing Panama Hats at a cheaper price, the quality of the product can't be compared with the Ecuadorian toquilla palm hats.