On September 17, 1859, a man named Joshua Norton made a surprising entrance into the offices of The San Francisco Evening Bulletin. Dressed sharply, he handed over a document and requested its publication. The paper complied, and that evening, readers found a proclamation declaring Norton the self-proclaimed “Emperor of the United States.”
In his proclamation, Norton called for a gathering of representatives from across the nation to meet in San Francisco’s Musical Hall. He aimed to discuss changes to the laws of the country, hoping to address the political issues of the time, particularly the growing tensions surrounding slavery. This declaration was signed “NORTON I, Emperor of the United States.”
Norton’s proclamation came at a time of significant unrest. The Southern states relied heavily on slavery for their economy, while the North was increasingly opposed to it. The election of Abraham Lincoln in 1860 further escalated these tensions, leading to the eventual secession of Southern states and the outbreak of the Civil War.
Interestingly, the Musical Hall where Norton planned to hold his meeting burned down just days before the event. Although he tried to reschedule at another location, no one showed up.
Norton, originally from South Africa, had arrived in San Francisco during the Gold Rush, where he initially found success in business. However, a failed investment in rice led to his financial ruin. After declaring bankruptcy in 1856, he began to embrace his eccentric persona, issuing proclamations on various topics, from civil rights to public transportation.
His proclamations often highlighted his progressive views. Norton advocated for the rights of immigrants, women, and African Americans, even demanding that they be allowed to ride public streetcars. His compassion extended to Chinese immigrants, as he issued multiple proclamations supporting their rights at a time when anti-Chinese sentiment was rampant.
Norton also proposed ambitious infrastructure projects, famously calling for the construction of a bridge between San Francisco and Oakland. Although he did not live to see it built, the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge, completed in 1936, followed the route he had envisioned.
Throughout his life, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, known for his kind nature and whimsical proclamations. He wandered the streets in a blue uniform, inspecting sidewalks and collecting “taxes” from his supporters. His popularity remained strong until his death on January 8, 1880, at the age of 61. Thousands attended his funeral, celebrating the life of a man who, despite having no real political power, left a lasting impact on the city.
Today, Joshua Norton is remembered as a unique character in American history. His story reflects a time when a self-styled emperor could capture the hearts of many, advocating for justice and equality in a rapidly changing nation.