Panama Canal: Early Inefficiencies

Season 23

The 50-year old rail system in Panama proved incapable of getting the job done.

On November 12, 1904, the first Bucyrus steam shovel arrived in Colón, able to excavate five cubic yards of spoil in a single scoop. Despite the efficiency of the steam shovel, the 50-year old rail system proved incapable of carrying that amount of spoil away.

AIR DATE 1/24/11

The Decision to Build a Lock Canal

Now Playing

Panama Canal: Early Inefficiencies

Repairing the Panama Railroad

The Greely Expedition: Chapter 1

Chapter 1 | Stonewall Uprising | PBS

Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific

Building the Locks

The Decision to Build a Lock Canal

Now Playing

Panama Canal: Early Inefficiencies

Repairing the Panama Railroad

The Greely Expedition: Chapter 1

Chapter 1 | Stonewall Uprising | PBS

Connecting the Atlantic and Pacific

Building the Locks

The Decision to Build a Lock Canal

Videos

About American Experience

Praised as the “finest documentary series on television,” AMERICAN EXPERIENCE brings to life the compelling stories from our past that inform our understanding of the world today.

Visit American Experience Website

Broadcast Dates

#3601 - Nazi Town, USA |
Thursday, Apr 24 at 8pm TPT LIFE
#3601 - Nazi Town, USA |
Thursday, Apr 24 at 8pm TPT LIFE
#3601 - Nazi Town, USA |
Friday, Apr 25 at 2am TPT LIFE
#3601 - Nazi Town, USA |
Friday, Apr 25 at 2am TPT LIFE
#3601 - Nazi Town, USA |
Saturday, Apr 26 at 5pm TPT LIFE

Top

To Top