French Steam Dredge

1884 Steam Dredge digging the Panama Canal at Bas Obispo during the French period.

Panama Canal Construction Historic Photo - 1884 Steam Dredge digging the Panama Canal at Bas Obispo during the French period

Wikipedia writes: The French effort lowered the summit of the Culebra Cut along the canal route 5 meters (17 ft), from 64 meters (210 ft) above sea level to 59 metres (193 ft), over a relatively narrow width. In all, it was estimated that 22,713,396 m3 (29,708,000 cu yd) of excavation were of direct use to the Americans, valued at $25,389,240, along with equipment and surveys valued at $17,410,586.

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