FUN WITH MAPS ISSUE 2024-079

By Steve Kovacs (Introduction by Chuck Gibson)

LOVELAND, OH (April 25, 2024) – In this edition of Fun with Maps we celebrate the beginning of a big digging project.

Big Ditch

On April 25, 1859, work began on the Suez Canal.

The artificial seaway connects the Mediterranean Sea to the Red Sea through the Isthmus of the Suez.  It is generally considered to be the dividing point between Africa and Asia.

The canal, which is 120 miles long, is owned by Egypt, although the original company operating it was mostly British and French investors.

In 2021, a container ship got stuck diagonally in the canal, due to high winds.  The blockage forced a shutdown for the over 300 ships passing through at the time.  It took 6 days to get the canal clear for business again.  With the cargo that was halted, it is estimated that it cost $400 million a hour in global trade.

Fun fact: The Statue of Liberty was originally intended to guard the Suez Canal.

This map of Egypt was created by Hall 9 years prior to the start of digging the Suez Canal.

Steve Kovacs and his wife Theresa reside in Loveland, Ohio where they raised their two children. He is a passionate collector of antique maps.

Visit his antique map boutique world-on-paper online. Watch for his daily feature Steve Kovacs: Fun with Maps here on Loveland Beacon.