What date did the first ocean-going steamship move through the Panama Canal?

Answer 1

The canal was declared open on the 15th of August, 1914. The first ship to pass the canal was the SS 'Ancon'. 70,000 people worked fors 10 years in this project. 200 million cubic meters of earth had been moved (three times more than at Suez) to clear the way, the costs skyrocketed to $400 million and 5,600 deaths were mourned!
The 'Ancon' was build in 1902 by Maryland Steel, 9332 tons. In 1908 she was bought by the Panama Canal Company.

Answer 2

On August 13 1914 the SS Cristibal became the first ship to cross the Panama Canal but due to WWI the official opening of the canal did not occur until August 15 1914 and the the steamship SS Ancon has the honor of showing up in the records as the first ship to cross the Panama Canal.

On August 15, 1914, the canal was opened to world commerce. The first ship through was the vessel Ancon (carrying guests of honor) passed through the Pacific end of the locks, coming from the Atlantic side, which took a total of 9 hours and 40 minutes. Piloting the Ancon was Captain John A. Constantine.
In 1943, the U. S. Maritime Commission named a Liberty ship, John Constantine, after him,

Answer 3

On August 9, 1914 the S.S. Advance transited the Panama Canal from Cristobal to Miraflores (From Atlantic to Pacific). One of several trial runs before the August 15th opening of the Panama Canal.

Answer 4

Yes, the Pacific is much larger, so it helps reduce ship traffic jams in the Atlantic...........NOT! Of course there are two lock systems and boats pass each other traveling in both directions. Try google maps for the Panama Canal and you can see the locks and ships.