In the 19th century, the California gold rush brought thousands of settlers to America's west coast. But finding gold may have been easier than transporting it back east. The only hope for avoiding a grueling six month wagon journey was to travel the narrowest portion of the continent — the 48-kilometer Isthmus of Panama. Alex Gendler details the creation of the Panama Canal. [Directed by Cabong Studios, narrated by Addison Anderson, music by Cem Misirlioglu, Amit Peled].

Alex Gendler: Demolition, disease, and death: Building the Panama Canal

Demolition, disease, and death: Building the Panama Canal

The harrowing journey to connect the Atlantic and Pacific via Panama claimed 22,000 lives and cost $287 million by 1889.

Massive engineering and human resilience transformed Panama, raising ships 26 meters above sea level through ingenious locks by 1913.

The Panama Canal, a triumph of engineering and a testament to human tenacity, now sees 14,000 vessels annually, symbolizing Panama's pride.