Timeline of the Panama Canal By Irishkitty Period: 1904 to 1914 The U.S.A. starts to build the Panama Canal 1905 William Crawford Gorgas is hired by the U.S.A. to exterminate mosquitoes. 1905 The United States hires William Crawford Gorgas 1907 Yellow fever is almost completely eradicated. 1909 Work begins on the canal locks. 1909 Work begins on the canal's locks 1913 The locks are finished Aug 14, 1914 The Panama Canal officially opens to the public