The Panama Canal

The Panama Canal is sometimes called the 8th wonder of the world.  Although both the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are at sea level, there are mountains and lakes between them.  The canal was built for ships to be able to cross Panama without having to go all the way around.

The French began the canal project in 1881 but after great expense and hardship, abandoned the project.  The United States reopened the project in 1904 and spent 10 years in construction.  The US controlled the canal until 1999.

Between 13,000 and 14,000 ships pass through the canal every year.  The passage takes between 8 and 10 hours. 

For more information...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=shWrzvNGLdw