The building of the Panama Canal started on this day in 1904. This man-made waterway connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans and was built by the United States.
Get On This Day In History delivered straight to your inbox ✉️ each day! Sign up here.
Why was the Panama Canal built?
The Panama Canal was built to provide a more direct route between the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, saving time and money for ships traveling between the two oceans. Before the 50-mile-long canal was built, ships had to sail around the southern tip of South America, which was a much longer and more dangerous route.
How long did it take to build the Panama Canal?
The construction of the Panama Canal took approximately 10 years, from 1904 to 1914. During this time, the United States faced many challenges, including disease, difficult terrain, and political obstacles. Thousands of workers are estimated to have died during the building of the canal.
Who controlled the Panama Canal after it was built?
The United States controlled the Panama Canal from the time it was completed in 1914 until 1999, when it was officially handed over to the government of Panama. Today, the Panama Canal remains an important transportation route for global trade.