Ross Alley

Ross Alley is the oldest alley in San Francisco, tracing its origins back to the California Gold Rush of 1849. It was originally named Stout's Alley for the physician Arthur Breese Stout, who operated a hospital in the former home of merchant Charles L. Ross right at the corner of the alley. Though it is a quiet, narrow passage today, its earliest years were defined by its proximity to the lawless Barbary Coast. Because of this, it was famously known as a center for gambling dens and brothels, earning it the reputation of being a place where, according to a nineteenth century report, the souls of the dead could easily wander.