In 1850s San Francisco, the nine-block red light district around Pacific Street that became known as the Barbary Coast, was a teeming hive of grifters, dance halls, gambling dens and brothels. At the time prostitution was legal, and the city was swarmed with tens of thousands of young men arriving from around the world seeking gold and, sometimes, female companionship.

At one point over 100 brothels operated in the area. Feuding gangs, from the Hounds to the Sydney Ducks, fought over ownership of brothels which led to countless fires and eventually public hangings.

Many of these prostitutes (sex workers in today's parlance) became so famous across the city that rumors still persist that some San Francisco streets were named in their honor. Here's a run down of the city streets that may pay homage to historical sex workers.