The Panama Canal opened its gates to maritime traffic, epitomized by the successful passage of the cargo ship SS Ancon. Construction of the canal began in the late 19th century, under the French initially, but after facing numerous financial and technical difficulties, the project was taken over by the United States in 1904. This ambitious engineering endeavor aimed to connect the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans, vastly changing global shipping routes. With a length of approximately 50 miles, it allowed ships to avoid the lengthy and perilous journey around Cape Horn at the southern tip of South America.

The SS Ancon made history on the morning of August 15, 1914, as it passed through the canal's Gaillard Cut, a formidable section carved through the continental divide. The vessel's journey marked not only a significant milestone in engineering but also in international commerce. The opening was celebrated with great fanfare, highlighting the canal's potential to enhance trade efficiency by reducing voyage durations from weeks to mere hours.

This remarkable feat of human achievement showcased advances in civil engineering and project management. The completed canal operated using a system of locks to raise and lower ships, a complex mechanism allowing vessels to navigate the varying elevations between the Atlantic and Pacific coasts. The opening of the Panama Canal revolutionized maritime trade patterns and has since been a vital artery for international shipping, boosting economies and connecting markets across the globe.