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Thoughts for the Canal
President, Ulysses S. Grant establishes the InterOceanic Canal Commission and sends out possible routes for canals. The thought of the canal will continue to be a priority for Grant throughout his presidency. Meanwhile he is seeking a possible shipping route between the Atlantic and Pacific. -
The Nicaragua Canal
A team from the U.S. surveys Panama and then part of the Republic of Columbia, for a possible route. A Panama Canal is considered to be too expensive, so a canal in Nicaragua is proposed. The Nicaragua Canal would have 12 locks at either end of the Canal and 10 miles of aqueducts are considered to supply water to the peak level. -
The French Attempt
The French attempted to build the Panama Canal. Which was lead by Ferdinand de Lesseps, and their work began in 1881. Things went downhill when poor planning, disease among the workers, construction problems and inaccurate financing put the company into bankruptcy in 1889. Also charges of mismanagement and corruption struck the business. -
Set Backs
Things started going wrong for the French when flooding and landslides putting the French workers behind schedule. -
Yellow Fever
Yellow Fever affects the workers and nearly 400 workers died of disease. -
The Civil War
An outbreak of dysentery cripples that weakened the workforce and affected 30% of the workers. Then when the workforce was overwhelmed by the Civil War, International press begins to doubt the French with completing the canal project. -
Gustav Eiffel
De Lesseps became frustrated with the progress of the canal, so hired Gustav Eiffel to construct locks for the canal as a solution when sea level excavation continues. Soon, De Lesseps runs out of money and his company collapses, affecting many investors with money loss. After that, Ferdinand De Lesseps and his son Charles were found guilty for fraud and maladministration of the canal project. Later, in 2 years De Lesseps dies at 89. -
The Hay-Bunau-Varilla
The US attempt to build the canal starts with President Theodore Roosevelt declaring the need to build a canal in Central America. Soon after the Hay-Bunau-Varilla Treaty is signed which gives the US the right to build the canal. The US government purchases what is left of the French canal company for 40 million. -
Lose of Workers
Soon, the workforce is losing workers and are down to 3,500 workers. Yellow Fever affects the workers again and many leave to go back to the US. -
John Stevens
New chief engineer, John Stevens, comes to Panama and places an order for new equipment to improve the rate of excavation. -
The Old Railroad
Although Stevens soon turns his attention to an old railroad that he would like to repair in order to construct the Panama Canal. -
President Roosevelt Checks in
President Roosevelt visits Panama to observe the progress of Stevens and the workforce. Roosevelt is very pleased and praises Stevens for his leadership and determination. Roosevelt awards Stevens with a Medal as an incentive to keep workers at their posts. -
John Stevens Resignation
President Roosevelt visits Panama to observe the progress of Stevens and the workforce. Roosevelt is very pleased and praises Stevens for his leadership and determination. Roosevelt awards Stevens with a Medal as an incentive to keep workers at their posts. -
George Gothals
Lieutenant Colonel George Goethals is accepted as the third chief of engineer. Soon, 800,000 yards are excavated in that month alone and Goethals leadership is tested when the US Steam Shovel workers go on strike. Goethals replaces the workers with strikebreakers. -
More Set Backs
Progress is delayed when there is a landslide at Cucaracha that moves 500,000 yards. -
Living by the Panama Canal
The next month 2, 712, 568 yards are excavated, which is over half a million more than the month before. The progress of the canal attracts families to come live near the canal. -
Tourism
By the end of this year, tourism becomes popular at the canal. -
Culebra Cut
Excavation of the Culebra Cut is completed. -
Gatun Dam
The Gatun Dam is complete -
The First Passage
The French crane boat Alexandra La Valley completes the first passage through the Panama Canal. -
Opening
The Panama Canal opens.
