Panama' Canal

First European Explorer to Visit the Atlantic Ocean

Feb 18, 1513

(The month and day is unknown.)
In 1513, Vasco Nunez de Balboa crossed Panama and landed in the Atlantic Ocean.

Idea to Cross Panama

Feb 19, 1524

(The month and day is unknown.)
Hernan Cortes thought of an idea to create a path across Panama.

King Ferdinand of Spain Wanted to Build a Canal

Feb 19, 1534

(The month and day is unknown.)
King Ferdinand wanted to build a canal across Panama, but Spain did not have the supplies.

France Builds the Panama Canal

Feb 19, 1835

(The month and day is unknown.)
In 1835, France decided to began building the canal, but the constructed a plan first.

France stops the creatiom of the canal

Period: Feb 19, 1881 to Feb 19, 1890

(The month and day is unknown.)
In 1881 France began building the Panama canal. In 1890, they gave up because more than 20,000 workers died and the company that built it went bankrupt.

United States Builds the Canal

Feb 19, 1904

(The month and day is unknown.)
The United States begins building the canal where France left off.

The Panama Canal is Finished

Feb 19, 1914

(The month and day is unknown.)
The United States finished building the Panama canal after working through 100 degrees temperatures, diesease, humidity, and rainfall.

Panama takes control of the Panama canal

Period: Feb 19, 1977 to Feb 19, 1999

(The month and day is unknown.)
The United States signed a treaty with Panama stating they own the Panama canal in 1977. Control was given to Panama in 1999.