Joshua Norton, better known as Emperor Norton, was a celebrated figure in San Francisco during the mid-19th century. Born in England in 1818, Norton spent much of his early life in South Africa before moving to the United States in the 1840s. In 1859, he declared himself “Norton I, Emperor of the United States,” and later added the title “Protector of Mexico.”

Despite his audacious claims, Norton was not persecuted, but rather celebrated by the citizens of San Francisco. He was known for his eccentricity, often dressing in a military uniform and carrying a cane. Norton issued a number of proclamations during his reign, including one that called for the dissolution of the United States Congress. While his proclamations were largely ignored, Norton remained a beloved figure in San Francisco until his death in 1880.

Today, Emperor Norton is remembered as an icon of San Francisco history, with tours and landmarks dedicated to his memory. His legacy lives on as a symbol of the city’s unique culture and acceptance of eccentricity.

Early Life

Joshua Abraham Norton was born to John and Sarah Norton in Deptford, England, which is now part of London, on February 4, 1818 [^1][^3]. His parents were English Jews who left England to move to South Africa in 1820 as part of a government colonization scheme. They were part of a group that came to be known as the “1820 Settlers” [^2][^4].

Norton spent most of his early life in South Africa [^1][^4]. In 1845, he left Cape Town and arrived in Boston via Liverpool in March 1846, and later moved to San Francisco in late 1849 during the California Gold Rush [^1]. He inherited money from his father, which he used to make a living as a businessman. However, he lost his fortune investing in Peruvian rice and losing a subsequent lawsuit [^5].

During his early life, Norton was known to be a highly educated man [^1]. He was fluent in several languages, including French, Spanish, and Chinese. He was also a devout Christian and a member of the Presbyterian Church [^4]. Despite his education and religious affiliation, Norton was said to have a quirky personality. He was known to wear a beaver hat and a military uniform, which he believed were symbols of his self-proclaimed status as the Emperor of the United States [^1][^3].

That’s it for the Early Life section. Let me know if you need anything else.

Move to San Francisco

Joshua Norton arrived in San Francisco in the late 1840s. The exact date of his arrival is not clear, but most sources agree that he arrived in San Francisco in 1849. However, a recent blog post by the Emperor Norton Trust suggests that Norton may have first set foot in the United States in 1846, in Boston [1].

Norton’s journey to San Francisco is also somewhat shrouded in mystery. The most popular version of the story is that he made his way from Cape Town to Rio de Janeiro, where he booked passage on the Hamburg ship Franzeska and arrived in San Francisco [1]. However, there are some who believe that he may have traveled to San Francisco via Panama [2].

Regardless of how he got there, Norton quickly became a fixture of San Francisco society. He was known for his eccentric behavior, which included wearing a military uniform and a beaver hat, and for his proclamations, which ranged from the absurd to the insightful. Despite his quirks, Norton was well-liked by many San Franciscans, who saw him as a harmless and entertaining character.

Over time, Norton’s influence grew, and he began issuing proclamations that had a real impact on the city. In 1859, he declared himself “Emperor of the United States,” and although his claim was not recognized by the government, he was treated with respect and deference by many of his fellow citizens. He continued to issue proclamations until his death in 1880, and his legacy lives on to this day as a symbol of San Francisco’s unique character and spirit.

Proclamation as Emperor

In 1859, Joshua Norton declared himself “Norton I, Emperor of the United States.” He issued a proclamation announcing his ascension to the throne and declaring his intentions to rule the country. The proclamation was published in the San Francisco Bulletin on September 17, 1859.

Norton’s proclamation was met with ridicule and laughter by many, but he was undeterred. He began issuing edicts and proclamations on a regular basis, covering a wide range of topics, from the dissolution of Congress to the establishment of a national religion.

Despite his lack of official power, Norton was taken seriously by many in San Francisco. He was a familiar figure on the streets, dressed in a military uniform adorned with gold epaulettes and a beaver hat with a peacock feather. He was often seen inspecting the city’s infrastructure and making notes in a large ledger.

Norton’s proclamations were often humorous and satirical, but they also contained serious messages. He was an advocate for the rights of the working class and was critical of the growing divide between the rich and poor. He also called for the abolition of slavery and the establishment of a national currency.

Although Norton’s reign as emperor was not officially recognized by any government, he was widely respected and admired by the people of San Francisco. He was known for his kindness and generosity, often giving money to the poor and homeless. When he died in 1880, more than 10,000 people attended his funeral, a testament to the impact he had on the city and its people.

Emperor Norton’s Decrees

Emperor Norton was known for his eccentricity and his numerous decrees on matters of state. Some of his decrees were serious, while others were more humorous in nature. Here are a few examples of Emperor Norton’s decrees:

• Abolishing the United States Congress: On October 12, 1859, Emperor Norton issued a decree to formally abolish the United States Congress. This decree was met with amusement by some and concern by others. However, Emperor Norton’s decree had no legal standing and was largely ignored.
• Declaring himself Emperor of the United States: In 1859, Emperor Norton declared himself the Emperor of the United States. He also added the title “Protector of Mexico” to his name. While some people thought he was crazy, others saw him as a harmless eccentric.
• Ordering the construction of a bridge across San Francisco Bay: In 1872, Emperor Norton issued a decree ordering the construction of a bridge across San Francisco Bay. While his decree was not taken seriously at the time, it is interesting to note that the Golden Gate Bridge was eventually built in the same location.
• Mandating the use of the word “Frisco”: Emperor Norton was a big fan of San Francisco and wanted everyone to use the nickname “Frisco” when referring to the city. In 1872, he issued a decree mandating the use of the word “Frisco” under penalty of a $25 fine. Needless to say, this decree was not enforced.

Emperor Norton’s decrees were often seen as humorous or eccentric, but they also reflected his love for San Francisco and his desire to improve the city. Despite his lack of legal authority, Emperor Norton was a beloved figure in San Francisco and his legacy lives on to this day.

Public Response

The public response to Joshua Norton’s self-proclamation as Emperor of the United States was mixed. Some people found him amusing and harmless, while others thought he was mentally unstable. Nevertheless, Norton’s proclamations and decrees were widely reported in the press, and many people enjoyed reading about his antics.

Norton’s appearance in public was always a spectacle, and he was often greeted with cheers and applause. He was known for his eccentric dress, which included a blue military uniform with gold epaulets and a beaver hat with a peacock feather. He also carried a cane and a sword, which he used to “knight” his subjects.

Despite his eccentricities, Norton was widely respected in San Francisco. He was known for his generosity, and he often gave money to people in need. He was also a vocal advocate for the rights of Chinese immigrants, who were often discriminated against in California at the time.

Overall, Norton’s reign as Emperor of the United States was a source of entertainment and inspiration for many people. His legacy continues to this day, and he is remembered as a beloved figure in San Francisco’s history.

Legacy

Joshua Norton’s legacy is a unique one. Despite his eccentricities, he is remembered as a beloved figure in San Francisco’s history. His story has been the subject of books, plays, and even a musical.

Emperor Norton’s legacy is also celebrated by The Emperor Norton Trust, a nonprofit organization whose mission is to honor his life and advance his legacy. The organization has worked to preserve his memory by placing plaques and historical markers around the city.

In addition, Emperor Norton’s image has been used on various products such as t-shirts, mugs, and even beer labels. He has also been referenced in popular culture, appearing in TV shows, movies, and video games.

Overall, Joshua Norton’s legacy continues to live on, inspiring people to embrace their individuality and celebrate the unique character of San Francisco.

Death and Posthumous Recognition

Joshua Norton passed away on January 8, 1880, at the age of 61. He collapsed on a street corner in San Francisco and was taken to a nearby hospital, where he died shortly afterward. His death was a shock to the city, and many people mourned the passing of the man who had become a beloved figure in San Francisco.

Despite his unusual behavior and self-proclaimed title of Emperor, Norton was widely respected and admired for his kindness and generosity. He was known for his eccentricities, such as wearing a military uniform and carrying a sword, but he was also known for his acts of charity and his concern for the well-being of his fellow citizens.

After his death, Norton was buried in the Masonic Cemetery in San Francisco. His grave was unmarked for many years, but in 1934, the Emperor Norton Graveyard Association was formed to raise money for a proper headstone. The headstone was finally installed in 1979, just in time for the centennial of Norton’s death.

Today, Norton is remembered as a colorful and unique character in San Francisco’s history. He is celebrated in various ways, including a yearly parade in his honor and a walking tour of the city that highlights places associated with his life. In 2004, a statue of Norton was unveiled in the city’s Financial District, near the spot where he declared himself Emperor more than 150 years ago.

Overall, Joshua Norton’s legacy is one of kindness, generosity, and eccentricity. He was a man who marched to the beat of his own drum, and his memory lives on as a reminder of the importance of individuality and compassion.

In Popular Culture

Emperor Norton’s eccentric personality and self-proclaimed title as “Emperor of the United States” have made him a popular figure in popular culture. He has been featured in various forms of media, including literature, film, and music.

Emperor Norton in Literature

Emperor Norton has been portrayed in several works of literature, including novels, short stories, and plays. In Neil Gaiman’s novel “American Gods,” Norton appears as a minor character who helps the protagonist on his journey. Norton is also the subject of Robert Louis Stevenson’s short story “The Silverado Squatters,” which chronicles the author’s meeting with the emperor during his travels in California.

Emperor Norton in Film

Emperor Norton has been portrayed in several films, including the 1936 comedy “The Emperor’s Candlesticks,” in which he is played by Frank Morgan. In the 1980 film “The Legend of the Lone Ranger,” Norton is portrayed by Jason Robards. Norton also appears in the 2015 film “Emperor Norton’s Bridge,” a documentary exploring the history of the emperor and his impact on San Francisco.

Emperor Norton in Music

Emperor Norton has been the subject of several songs, including “Emperor Norton’s Hunch” by the band Camper Van Beethoven and “Emperor Norton in the Last Year of His Life (1880)” by the band Oxbow. Norton has also been referenced in songs by other artists, such as “Emperor Norton” by the band Primus and “Emperor Norton’s Waltz” by composer David Conte.

Overall, Emperor Norton’s unique personality and title have made him a beloved figure in popular culture. His legacy continues to inspire artists and writers today.