Sago Street during the 1840s, there were numerous sago factories on the street. pith of the rumbia palm and made into flour that is used to make cakes. During the 1850s, there were thirty sago factories in the town which had a total output of 8,000 tons annually. Many of the sago factories were in the Sago Street area. In the late 19th century, the area was well known for its number of prostitute dens. By 1901, there were 14 brothels on the street alone. In the later part of the 20th century, the brothels vacated Sago Street and the shophouses underwent
Sago Mine disaster to allow UMWA participation, and U.S. District Judge Robert E. Maxwell ordered ICG to allow UMW officials to enter the mine, saying "There's no question that the public interest is best served by a complete and thorough investigation into the occurrence of the problems at the Sago Mine...There is a strong public interest in allowing miners to play a role in this investigation, as it is their health and safety that is at issue." On January 27, 2006, the ICG said it would appeal. The Sago Mine Disaster brought public attention to criticism of the Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)