Commuter Conditions

100 Years Ago: Rare Vintage Photos of the Panama Canal

According to the American Society of Civil Engineers, the now 100-year old Panama Canal ranks as one of the seven wonders of the modern world.

With a hypnotizing time-lapse video circulating that captures the astounding capacity of the Panama Canal to lift and lower behemoth cargo ships, such a distinction seems well deserved.

The canal, which acts as a key channel for international maritime trade, was officially opened on Aug. 15, 1914, after 33 years of work, originally begun by the French in 1881. Slated to undergo expansion in 2015, the amazing feat of engineering is still very much an important component in international trade.

Click through the slideshow above to see the immense construction efforts on the Canal in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Even one of our most beloved presidents showed up to take stock of the progress (see slides 4 and 30!).

(MORE: 14 Wacky Sights Along the Historic Lincoln Highway)