By 1903, the U.S. was ready to do what seemed impossible – to join the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans. But a major decision still had to be made.
Should the canal be built at sea level, like the Suez Canal? Or should it follow the natural rise of the land? This would mean building locks (enclosed chambers with gates at each end) to raise and lower ships as they pass through the canal. Locks big enough to allow the passage of warships and freighters had never been built before.
The decision was made in favor of having locks. So, what exactly are locks and how do they work?
