San Francisco in the mid-nineteenth century was a tough place to live, but for the fortunate, there were mountains of money to be made. For many, these mountains were lost just as quickly.
Norton showed up in San Francisco at age of 31 on a boat from South Africa with a million dollar inheritance in his pockets. Norton had a lot of success in Frisco for his first ten years, amassing a considerable fortune of nearly seven million dollars through real estate ventures. It was at this time, hearing of a famine in China, Norton tried to corner the rice market, a venture that fell apart when the price of rice plummeted. Norton, like any good businessman, tried to wiggle his way out of his obligations via the court system. Unfortunately, this ploy failed after years of litigation. Norton's assets were seized and he suddenly found himself in the literal poor house. The whole experience left a decidedly bitter taste in his mouth. With few options available to him, Norton went with the most insane one possible and declared himself Norton I, Emperor of the United States and the Protector of Mexico.
Luckily for Norton, this was a time before even radio, and the people of San Francisco were constantly bored out of their minds. For the local newspapers, which were already reporting on the weekly adventures of two stray dogs, a crazy man publicly declaring himself emperor was a god send. Norton kicked off his reign with a series of edicts aimed at dissolving Congress and arresting every member of the U.S. legislative branch. Congress, in a rather ballsy move, ignored the edict, but the citizens of San Francisco became enamored with their new king, buying him a beautiful blue uniform with golden epaulets, which for you more uncouth readers are the dangly things on the shoulders. Norton further expanded his royal wardrobe with an umbrella, peacock feather and top hat, and a large rosette (those ribbons they hand out at the County Fair). Thus, regally bedecked, Norton would wander the streets, inspecting public buildings and the appearance of police officers, and giving long philosophical speeches to anyone who would listen.
For 21 years Norton ruled over the United States. While most of his edicts were ignored, even the ones that made good sense; such as building a bridge to Oakland or banishing all stray cats; his citizens always treated him with the utmost respect. Though penniless, Norton was allowed to dine at the finest restaurants and was always given a private box at the opening night of every play and show. Norton returned these kindnesses by handing out Imperial Seals of Approval and bestowing titles of nobility. To pay for his debts, Norton issued his own money, which of course had his picture on it, and sold Imperial bonds to tourists. However, Norton's reign was not always easy. He was once arrested by a policeman who, for some reason, thought Norton was insane. Norton was soon after released with an official apology, and being a magnanimous ruler, pardoned the arresting officer. After that, all police officers saluted Norton when he walked by.
San Francisco being full of crazy people, Norton did have one rival in the personage of a phrenologist named George Washington Number Two, a man who was convinced that he was the reincarnation of the first president. GW #2 believed himself to be quite the ladies’ man, which mostly involved him showing his bare legs to passersby. He became a thorn in Norton's side for quite some time. When not engaged in his rivalry, Norton spent most of his days writing letters to other world monarchs, many of whom wrote back with amazingly similar handwriting. This culminated in Queen Victoria accepting his offer of marriage. Unfortunately, the royal wedding never took place due to Norton dying. The Emperor's funeral was one of the largest in San Francisco history.
Image: https://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Emperor_Joshua_A._Norton_I.jpg