Random factoid is random but cool

[donutsweeper]

Did 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

Comments

[skipthedemon.livejournal.com]

Emperor Norton is one my favorite historical kooks. He seems have been a mostly well loved resident odd ball. Lot of people showed up at his funeral. Also, Neil Gaiman wrote about him in the Sandman comics.

[indigocat.livejournal.com]

The first time I heard of our emperor was in Ishmael by Barbara Hambly.

And he's mentioned in a Juliet Blackwell novel that came out in December.

[haldane.livejournal.com]

All good Emperors are insane.

[rustydog.livejournal.com]

...while researching for fic?

That is an awesome tidbit of history. :)

[bluetooth16.livejournal.com]

I love old timey crackpots who use the press to advocate for their craziness!

[phoenix64.livejournal.com]

Though I had heard of him beforehand, the Sandman issue about him is what will always stick in my head. He was NEAT.

[karaokegal.livejournal.com]

Emperor Norton is a great figure of San Francisco history, and was apparently the first to argue that there should be a bridge from San Francisco to the East Bay and therefore many people have suggested that the Oakland-Bay Bridge be renamed in his honor. Probably not gonna happen, but would be totally awesome.

[mad-jaks.livejournal.com]

*is amused*

I'm also hungry, but I'll have to address that problem later...


ETA *pouts* I daren't read your NCIS posts :(