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El Dorado Street originally ran from First St. to Market St. (1855) - one block. Shortly thereafter it was extended to River Street, a configuration existing until 1974 when the west end of the street was lopped off. The street now ends at Almaden Boulevard -- previously Vine.

In 1902, do-gooders and merchants on El Dorado St. successfully lobbied for a name change, and El Dorado became Post. By removing a name long associated with vile and tasteless behavior, it was hoped that the vile and tasteless behavior would leave . . . and property values rise.

In 1924, Orchard St. was renamed Almaden Ave.

The gold rush brought countless men to California, but very few women. This is key to understanding the nature of El Dorado Street as an alcohol/sexual Disneyland for manly men. The civilizing influence of women would take years to reach fruition.

Certain discerning women in the 1850's (and afterwards) had a keen appreciation for the laws of supply and demand . . . and began supplying. These were early marketers - also known as bawds, harlots, whores, soiled doves, prostitutes, daughters of joy, sisters of misery, or (a favorite) habitues of the demimonde.

Brothels and saloons stood side by side with bakers, butchers, gunsmiths, Chinese laundries, secret Chinese lotteries, cigar stands, fish shops, boot makers, and barbers.

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