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 By August 15, 1914 the Panama Canal was officially opened by the passing of the SS Ancon. At the time, no single effort in American history had exacted such a price in dollars or in human life. The American expenditures from 1904 to 1914 totaled $352,000,000, far more than the cost of anything built by the United States Government up to that time. Together the French and American expenditures totaled $639,000,000. It took 34 years from the initial effort in 1880 to actually open the Canal in 1914. It is estimated that over 80,000 persons took part in the construction and that over 30,000 lives were lost in both French and American efforts.
This website is dedicated to all men and women who have and will work at or for the Panama Canal and made the heroic dream of over 400 years come true. Honoring the past by building the future.
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Culebra Cut 1904 The US operation starts
1905 Fumigation brigades eradicating the mosquitoes
1914 Opening of the Panama Canal, Steamer SS Ancon crossing the French Canal
