Full Name: Joshua Abraham Norton
Profession: Emperor of the USA
Biography: Born in England, Norton arrived in San Francisco as a businessman. Dissatisfaction with US politics led Norton to proclaim himself Emperor of the USA in 1859. He later added 'Protector of Mexico' to his title.
Emperor Norton issued regular edits; calling for the abolition of Congress in 1859, in 1869 to abolish the Democratic and Republican parties and for the formulation of a League of Nations.
Some of his pronouncements came to pass - the Bay Bridge was completed in 1936. Celebrated and respected in San Francisco, nearly 30,000 paid their respects on his death in 1880.
Born: February 4, 1819
Birthplace: London (suspected), England, United Kingdom
Star Sign: Aquarius
Historical Events
- 1859-09-17 Joshua Abraham Norton, English-born resident of San Francisco, proclaims himself his Imperial Majesty Emperor Norton I, Emperor of the United States of America
- 1859-10-12 Self-proclaimed Emperor of the USA, Emperor Norton issues edict abolishing the US Congress
Agustín de Iturbide
Boris III
Maximilian I
Napoleon III
Taizu
Wilhelm II