Norton I, Emperor of the United States
by William Drury
Category: Eccentrics and eccentricities

Presents information from the Museum of the City of San Francisco on Joshua A. Norton (1819--1880), who declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859. Explains that Norton declared himself Emperor after losing his money in an attempt to corner the rice market. Lists Norton's "proclamations" that were printed in San Francisco newspapers. Links to the Museum home page and other resources on Norton.