Joshua Abraham Norton (c. 1818 – January 8, 1880) also known as Norton I, Emperor of the United States, was a British-born immigrant and eccentric citizen of San Francisco, California, who in 1859 declared himself "Emperor of the United States" 🇺🇸 — and later, "Protector of Mexico" 🇲🇽. Born around 1818 in England (likely in London) 🇬🇧, Norton spent much of his early life in South Africa 🇿🇦 before moving to the United States in 1849 during the California Gold Rush 🏞️. Initially a businessman in real estate and trade, he lost his fortune after a failed attempt to corner the rice market, leading to bankruptcy 📉. In 1859, disillusioned with political corruption and social inequality, Norton walked into the San Francisco Bulletin office and submitted a letter proclaiming himself emperor 👑. Though originally published as satire, the letter struck a chord with the public — and Norton quickly became a beloved local icon. As "Emperor Norton I", he issued a series of "imperial decrees" 📜, including the dissolution of Congress due to corruption, a ban on the word “Frisco” ❌, and a proposal for a bridge connecting San Francisco to Oakland 🌉 — a structure that would eventually be realized decades later (Bay Bridge, 1936). Despite lacking any formal power, Norton was treated with affection and respect by the people of San Francisco. Restaurants fed him for free 🍽️, shops accepted his self-issued currency 💵, and citizens addressed him as “Your Majesty” 💌. When he was once arrested as a vagrant, public outcry followed; the police chief released him and issued a formal apology 🙇 — and from then on, officers were said to salute him on the street 👮‍♂️➡️🎩. He died on January 8, 1880, likely of a stroke, while walking to a lecture. His funeral, arranged by a local charity, drew an estimated 10,000 mourners who lined the streets in silence 🕊️. Today, Norton I is remembered as a symbol of individuality, imagination, and civic kindness — a legendary figure in San Francisco history 🌁, whose whimsical reign left a real legacy. #historytok #americanhistory #sanfrancisco #truestory #emperornorton #weirdhistory #EduTok - @_historyunveiled