A man, a plan, a canal: Panama

[Fr8monkey]

A grand celebration was originally planned for the official opening of the canal, as befitting so great an effort which had aroused strong feelings for many years. However, the outbreak of World War I forced cancellation of the main festivities, and the grand opening became a modest local affair. The Panama Railway steamship SS Ancon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/SS_Ancon), piloted by Captain John A. Constantine, the Canal's first pilot, made the first official transit of the canal.

It was on this date that the 50-mile-long canal officially opened to traffic after more than 30 years of planning, blasting, dredging, and building. Here are some vintage photos of the canal during the construction and in action.

http://mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/insert_main_wide_image/public/2636008.jpg

http://mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/insert_main_wide_image/public/steam_shovels_isthmus.png

http://mentalfloss.com/sites/default/files/styles/insert_main_wide_image/public/1909_gatun_locks_0.jpg

[Sailor Steve]

Nice! Thanks for sharing those. :sunny:

[Betonov]

A BBC documentary on the Canal.
A little more dramatic, but so more enjoyable to watch

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-uPCQy32tGg

[Oberon]

A remarkable achievement, both it and the Suez, revolutionary really in terms of the time it saved in transit. Hard to think that both canals are in danger of bottlenecks now, so much material transits by sea. Who would have thought back then that we'd have 'Capesize' vessels. :doh:

[Betonov]

Let's not forget the politician, that made sure the legal, political and bueraucratic obstacles didn't hinder the project. the dirt flew, at any price

http://clashmccoy.files.wordpress.com/2013/10/tr8meme.jpg

[Jimbuna]

Sailed through the Suez (each way) but not the Panama.

My lad has done them both and still does pretty regular.

Pretty spectacular man-made achievements (both canals that is) imho :sunny:

[Wolferz]

Can you imagine the price of goods today if they still needed to transit around Africa or South America?:huh:

A :salute: to all the workers who gave up their lives to the mosquitoes.

[Jimbuna]

^ That was never their intention....honestly.

[Rockstar]

I lived down there for a number years, a truly awesome experience growing up. Things have changed though. Looking at Google Earth my high school is a container yard. They are digging the new and improved ditch right through the town I used to live and my old swimming hole is gone.

[Platapus]

But for a stamp, it would have been in Nicaragua. :)

http://www.iomoon.com/momoplanes15.jpg