Final answer:
John Stevens was the esteemed railroad engineer who significantly contributed to the successful construction of the Panama Canal, earning the admiration and respect of his workforce.
Explanation:
John Stevens was a highly regarded railroad engineer who played a crucial role in the construction of the Panama Canal. After the failure of the French attempt, Stevens was instrumental in reorganizing the engineering efforts that ultimately led to the successful completion of the canal.
His approach focused on creating a proper infrastructure, which included housing for workers and systems to combat tropical diseases. Stevens' work laid a strong foundation for the project before the leadership was taken over by Colonel George Washington Goethals, who later became known for seeing the project to its end. Stevens is remembered for his significant contribution to one of the most important feats of engineering in world history, which vastly improved trade and military movement between the Atlantic and Pacific oceans.