Links the Atlantic & Pacific Oceans, saving 8,000 nautical miles of travel.
Took 30+ years to build, overcoming massive challenges.
Elevates ships 85 feet using gravity-fed water from Gatun Lake.
Once the world’s largest man-made lake, vital for canal operations.
Thousands died from malaria and yellow fever during construction.
Built at $375 million, a record-breaking cost in its time.
Controlled by the U.S. from 1914 to 1999, now managed by Panama.