Original Line Station: San Pablo

San Pablo was a village of significant importance along the original route of the Panama Railroad. It was located 24 miles (39 kilometers) from the city of Colón, next to the only point where the railroad crossed the Chagres River via the famous Barbacoas Bridge. San Pablo has historical roots dating back to the Spanish colonial era, originally established as an agricultural village led by Spanish clergy and later offered to its residents. In the mid-19th century, the land changed ownership and became part of the Dutari family estate.

The village gained special prominence once the railroad was inaugurated due to the high volume of passenger traffic. San Pablo entered the history books as the resting point for the first Japanese diplomatic delegation to the United States during their transit across the Isthmus on April 30, 1860. During the years of the French canal construction attempt, it was already planned for the canal to pass through this area due to the proximity and depth of the Chagres River at that location.

Louis Charles Brochard, under the direction of Ferdinand de Lesseps, was contracted for excavation work in the San Pablo area. He lived in the village and documented the progress. However, the project was abandoned in 1889. In 1904, the United States took over the canal construction project, based their efforts on the French plans, and maintained San Pablo as a reference point near the center of the canal. Excavation work in the area advanced rapidly, completely transforming the site.

By 1912, the railroad line was relocated to make way for the canal. The buildings were liquidated, and those that could not be sold were demolished. With this, San Pablo ceased to exist, and today the exact site lies beneath the waters of Gatun Lake.