Known as the "Granite Lady," this branch of the San Francisco Mint -- also known a the Old Mint --opened in 1874. The first California mint was housed temporarily on Commercial Street until Congress set aside funds to build a new structure at 5th and Mission.
In a brilliant act of foresight, architect Alfred B. Mullett designed the building to withstand an earthquake. The building proved its seismic worthiness by surviving the 1906 earthquake, one of just a few buildings that did. Earthquake fires assaulted the mint, but a well in the courtyard and an attached fire-hose system allowed mint workers to rescue the building.
After the earthquake, when residents returned to the area, the mint's well was one of the few sources of potable water.
A new mint opened just a mile away in 1937. The city is restoring the Old Mint to its original splendor and will use the building as San Francisco's first city history museum.
See this overview of the Barbary Coast Trail for more information and a trail map.