Born Joshua Abraham Norton in England on February 4, 1818, he emigrated to San Francisco in 1849 during the height of the Gold Rush. Initially, Norton found success as a commodities trader and real estate speculator. However, a failed attempt to corner the rice market left him financially ruined. In 1859, amid his misfortunes, Norton declared himself "Norton I, Emperor of the United States."
Though his claim to the throne was purely self-styled and held no real political power, the people of San Francisco took to their new "Emperor" with surprising warmth and acceptance. Emperor Norton became a beloved figure, known for his elaborate uniforms, complete with a beaver hat adorned with a peacock feather, and his dignified manner as he patrolled the city streets.
Emperor Norton's proclamations were often published in local newspapers. One of his most notable edicts was issued on this day in 1869, in which he declared the abolition of the Democratic and Republican parties. His reasoning? To quell the dissensions of party strife within his realm. While his decree went unheeded by the official government, it highlighted his vision for a more harmonious society free from political bickering.
"Being desirous of allaying the dissensions of party strife now existing within our realm, we do hereby abolish and hereby dissolve the Democratic and Republican parties."
Despite the whimsical nature of his proclamations, Emperor Norton's influence extended beyond mere novelty. He called for the construction of a bridge between San Francisco and Oakland, a vision realized decades later with the completion of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. His advocacy for civil rights, including his stance against the persecution of Chinese immigrants, placed him ahead of his time.
Norton spent most of his daylight hours inspecting the streets, spending time in parks and libraries, and paying visits to newspaper offices and old friends in San Francisco, Oakland, and Berkeley. In the evenings, he often was seen at political gatherings or at theatrical or musical performances.
He wore an elaborate blue uniform with gold-plated epaulettes, at some time given to him secondhand by officers of the United States Army post at the Presidio of San Francisco. He embellished that with a variety of accoutrements, including a beaver hat decorated with a peacock or ostrich feather, a rosette, a walking stick, and an umbrella. In the course of his rounds, he took note of the condition of the sidewalks and cable cars, the state of repair of public property, and the appearance of police officers. He also often had conversations on the issues of the day with those he encountered.
Emperor Norton's presence brought a unique charm and sense of community to San Francisco. His funeral in 1880 was a grand affair, with an estimated 10,000 residents lining the streets to pay their respects. His legacy endures, celebrated in literature, local lore, and public commemorations.
On this day, we remember Emperor Norton not only for his eccentricities but for the joy and sense of unity he brought to his adopted city. His life reminds us that sometimes, the most extraordinary stories come from the most unexpected places.
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