You might not have known San Francisco had an emperor (so much for our public school system!). Although lacking any true political power, Joshua Abraham Norton was a celebrated figure during the late 1800’s. The citizens of San Francisco loved him, showing him due respect whenever he appeared. And although many considered him out of his gourd, his legacy can still be felt in the region. Here are 5 facts you probably didn’t know about the Bay Area’s once (and future) emperor.
1. Grew up in South Africa
Yes, the self-proclaimed Emperor of America actually cut his teeth in South Africa. Born somewhere near London (we don’t even know where for sure), parents John and Sarah Norton later took him and his siblings to the very bottom of Africa in 1820. It was a part of a government-funded scheme known as the 1820 Settlers, whose fiasco is chronicled elsewhere. Did Norton’s upbringing in the hot lands of the dark continent forever shape the man he would become? That Dengue fever is a doozy.
2. Lost a Lot of Money on Rice
Somewhere around 1849, Norton was drawn from the lush lands of South Africa to the city he would be forever linked to. This was due to a large inheritance of $40,000 (around a cool million in our day) left by his father. After turning that into a larger sum thanks to the real estate market, Norton got it in his head to turn a short-lived rice famine into big bucks. When China stopped shipping, he bought a boatload of Peruvian rice, hoping to cash in on the price spike. Unfortunately, many more shipments of rice came pouring in and the price dropped. Norton tried to renege on his contract, but the courts wouldn’t have it. This could have been the event that pushed him over the edge. Rice does that to some people
3. Had His Own Currency
Once proclaiming himself the Emperor of the United States, he attempted to make sweeping changes to the way our country operated. Of course, nobody outside of San Francisco acknowledged these changes (he was hard pressed to get anyone here to do so either). But he quickly become a beloved icon, so much so that his self-made currency (called Norton’s Notes, clever right?) was actually accepted by the shops he frequently visited. Sure they were out some supplies, but it makes for a great story.
4. Declared War on the US Congress
Despite Norton’s impotent position, he didn’t resist making bold statements. Long before it became popular, he was crying out for the overthrow of Congress. He had no military force and the U.S. Army ignored his letters, but his unabashed outrage is still inspiring San Francisco rebels to this day. Of course, no one is saying you should declare war on Congress, but a little civil disobedience is good for the soul.
5. Spear-Headed the Building of a Bridge and Tunnel
Sadly the great Emperor lacked any true power, despite his many innovative ideas. He was often known for demanding that a tunnel and bridge be built across San Francisco Bay. A necessity, even back then, but local officials turned a cold shoulder to our imperial hero. But like many visionaries, he had to die before the rest of society could catch up. Today, we enjoy the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge and the Transbay Tube. Some say the bride should be renamed “The Emperor Norton Bridge.” We at RushTix agree. Hell, let’s start calling it that anyway and see if it catches on!