In the early days, there were two routes across Panama, leading from the Caribbean to the Pacific. The first by land (mule trails from Peru). The second, a route utilizing the Chagres River. The mouth of the river was protected by the Fort San Lorenzo and the Lajas Reef.

1671, Henry Morgan burned down the Fort and started with 2000 men their trip up the Chagres River in their fleet of canoas to assault Panama City