The former nine-block red light district of San Francisco received its named in the late 1800s from North Africa's Barbary Coast and was an area of inexpensive bars, gambling institutions, prostitutes and high crime. The Barbary Coast was frequented by sailors, pirates, gangsters and criminals. Though it has changed owners and been rebuilt, The Old Ship Saloon still exists from its 1851 beginnings in the once sordid waterfront district.
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