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Random factoid is random but cool
Jan. 3rd, 2011 08:07 pmDid you know the United States once had an emperor?
On September 17, 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton distributed letters to newspapers in San Francisco stating he "declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U.S."
He later went on to dissolved the United States of America and also barred Congress from meeting in Washington, D.C.
He "reigned" over the United States as Emperor (along with the added responsibility of being the "Protector of Mexico") for 21 years, until his death on January 8, 1880.
The official 1870 census, by the way, had his occupation listed as "Emperor" (although it did also list him as insane).
(click 3x to see full sized, his entry is on line 24)
....things you learn O.o
On September 17, 1859, Joshua Abraham Norton distributed letters to newspapers in San Francisco stating he "declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these U.S."
He later went on to dissolved the United States of America and also barred Congress from meeting in Washington, D.C.
He "reigned" over the United States as Emperor (along with the added responsibility of being the "Protector of Mexico") for 21 years, until his death on January 8, 1880.
The official 1870 census, by the way, had his occupation listed as "Emperor" (although it did also list him as insane).
(click 3x to see full sized, his entry is on line 24)
....things you learn O.o
