The Panama Canal officially opened to ship traffic in 1914.
The canal’s first official transit took place on 15 August 1914, when the cargo and passenger ship SS Ancon crossed from the Atlantic side to the Pacific side. The waterway cuts across the Isthmus of Panama and links the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, greatly shortening many maritime routes.
The United States completed the canal after France’s earlier construction effort failed because of disease, engineering difficulties, and financial problems. The American project began in the early 20th century and used locks to lift ships to Gatun Lake before lowering them again.
The canal’s opening coincided with the beginning of World War I, which limited its immediate celebrations and commercial impact. The Panama Canal was transferred fully to Panama on 31 December 1999 under the Torrijos–Carter Treaties.