On the morning of September 17, 1859, a man described as "well-dressed and serious-looking" made an unexpected entrance into the offices of The San Francisco Evening Bulletin. Without offering an explanation, he handed over a document, requesting its publication. Intrigued by this enigmatic figure, the paper's editors decided to include the proclamation in their evening edition, prominently featured on page 3.

The proclamation read: "At the peremptory request and desire of a large majority of the citizens of these United States, I, Joshua Norton, formerly of Algoa Bay, Cape of Good Hope, and now for the last 9 years and 10 months past of San Francisco, California, declare and proclaim myself Emperor of these United States." This audacious declaration was not just a whimsical statement; it was a profound response to the escalating political tensions surrounding the issue of slavery, which was tearing the nation apart.

Nortons proclamation aimed to gather representatives from across the nation in San Franciscos Musical Hall "to make such alterations in the existing laws of the Union as may ameliorate the evils under which the country is laboring." The document was signed, "NORTON I, Emperor of the United States." The backdrop to this declaration was the intense strife caused by slavery, as Southern states relied on enslaved individuals for their economic stability while the North vehemently opposed it. Following the election of the anti-slavery Republican candidate Abraham Lincoln in 1860, Southern states began to secede from the Union, setting the stage for the Civil War.

Tragically, the Musical Hall where Norton planned to convene representatives burned down just nine days before the meeting was to take place. Though he quickly rescheduled the event at another venue, it turned out that no one attended, marking a poignant moment in Nortons unconventional reign.

Fast forward to today, and the influence of figures like Tesla billionaire Elon Musk brings to mind another South African who attempted to shape the national discourse, albeit with less formal power. Musk's role as the appointed leader of the U.S. government's Department of Government Efficiency (DOGE) has been marked by significant actions such as the cancellation of $1 billion worth of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion contracts, substantial reductions in USAID's funding for global charitable programs, and attempts to slash the federal workforce by two million positions. His methods and controversial public appearances have drawn both ire and admiration, with incidents like Tesla cars being set ablaze in protest and Musk showcasing his children in the Oval Office.

In contrast to Musks modern-day antics, Norton managed to cultivate a cult following without the same access to political power or the backlash. John Lumea, founder of the Emperor Norton Trusta nonprofit dedicated to promoting Nortons legacydescribes him as a forward-thinking advocate for human rights issues. As Jane Ganahl, co-founder of the San Francisco literary festival Litquake, noted in a 2018 endorsement of a proposal to honor Norton by renaming part of the Bay Bridge: "Emperor Norton could have been a time traveler. A 19th-century man with 21st-century sensibilities, Joshua Norton fought for the rights of immigrants, women, and those who suffered under religious persecution."

For over 20 years, Norton, who also labeled himself the Protector of Mexico due to his belief that the nation was vulnerable to French imperial ambitions, strode through the streets of San Francisco in a striking blue uniform adorned with brass epaulettes. In this role, he engaged with the public, inspecting sidewalks and even extracting "taxes"which began as donations from friends before evolving into the sale of promissory notes pitched as investments in his so-called "imperial government." Many embraced his eccentricities; some banks were known to issue currency in his name.

Despite his lack of formal influence on political matters, Norton remains a celebrated figure, woven into the fabric of San Francisco's cultural and historical narrative. Lumea estimates that Norton published at least 400 proclamations, addressing topics that ranged from human rights to complaints about being denied skates at an ice rink. He was described as a very kind person beneath the surface of his proclamations.

Norton continued to captivate the public until his sudden demise on January 8, 1880, when he collapsed on the corner of California and Dupont Streets at the age of 61. His passing marked the end of a unique 21-year reign, as noted by The San Francisco Call: "On the reeking pavement, in the darkness of a moonless night, under the dripping rain Norton I, by the grace of God, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, departed this life."

After his death, it became apparent that Norton had died impoverished. The modest room he rented at the Eureka boarding house contained only walking sticks, hats, a handful of coins from various countries, and a collection of fake telegramsthought to be pranks from locals posing as world leaders. In a show of respect, the members of the Pacific Club, an exclusive businessmen's association, organized a fitting send-off for the beloved emperor.

An astonishing 10,000 people from all walks of life paid their respects at his viewing, which took place in the city morgue. His body was paraded through the streets in a beautiful rosewood casket as people from all classescapitalists, clergymen, laborers, and those on the fringes of societygathered to honor the man who had become a symbol of San Francisco.

Nortons origins are somewhat shrouded in mystery. Although there is no official birth record, Jewish circumcision records indicate that he was born in Deptford, southeast London, in February 1818. At just two years old, his family emigrated to South Africa as part of a group of British settlers known as the 1820 Settlers, who were sent to bolster the frontier against the Xhosa people. His father, a farmer and merchant, provided Norton a childhood filled with the privileges of his race under British rule.

By the time he reached 27 in 1845, Norton had engaged in several business ventures, none of which were notably successful. His journey through various cities, including Liverpool, Boston, and Rio de Janeiro, brought him to San Francisco in late 1849, coinciding with the California Gold Rush. This boom period marked a turning point in his fortunes, allowing him to prosper through commodities trading and real estate speculation, becoming a prominent member of the local merchant class.

However, his success did not last. In 1852, attempting to capitalize on rising rice prices due to famine in China, he invested in a shipment of Peruvian rice. Unfortunately, when an influx of other shipments arrived, it proved to be of superior quality, leading to his financial ruin as he was sued for breach of contract. Lumea notes that this insistence on pursuing justice in his business dealings is what ultimately led to his downfall. By 1856, after declaring bankruptcy, Norton experienced a period of seclusion, only to emerge as a vocal advocate for social issues as the nation edged toward civil war.

Opposed to the Confederacy and slavery, Norton envisioned an "absolute monarchy" as a solution to the nations increasing discord. He believed that the constitutional republic was doomed to fail amidst the chaotic dynamics of state, regional, and party interests. In 1858, he even announced a candidacy for Congress, though his name never appeared on the ballot. A few months later, he published a manifesto urging citizens to "inaugurate a new state of things" amid the prevailing dissent between North and South.

Nortons proclamations often addressed serious matters concerning human rights. He advocated for African Americans to access public transportation and education and called for accountability for wrongdoings against Indigenous peoples. His commitment to the rights of Chinese immigrants was particularly notable, issuing at least 17 proclamations in their defense during a time of rampant discrimination. His proclamations also condemned violence against Chinese individuals, urging for justice after a horrific race riot in Los Angeles in which 15 Chinese men were lynched.

While Musk and Norton share a talent for reimagining the world, their approaches are markedly different. Musk's ambitions to colonize Mars might sound extravagant, yet similar audacious proclamations about infrastructure emerged from the Emperor's reign. In 1872, for instance, he proposed the construction of a bridge connecting San Francisco and Oakland across the bay, an idea that was popularized by him even if it was not initially his concept. Lumea explains that while the Central Pacific Railroad Company sought investment for a bridge project, it was Norton who pushed for a more beneficial span from Oakland Point to Telegraph Hill, setting in motion plans that would eventually culminate in the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge completed in 1936.

Ultimately, Norton became an indelible part of San Franciscos cultural tapestry. Local establishments accepted his bank notes, and his presence was welcomed in social settings, often enjoying free meals and drinks. Lumea notes that even those who viewed him as eccentric found joy in his company. His persona resonated with the public, embodying the citys spirit of inclusivity towards those who dared to think differently.

While the allure of Nortons life has inspired numerous adaptations in literature and film, his legacy survives through organizations that honor him, as well as the ongoing fascination with his unique story. Lumea dedicates his efforts to separating the man from the myth, aided by the digitization of historical documents that reveal more about Nortons life than the whimsical legends that have grown around him. Although some proclamations attributed to him might be fabricated, the essence of his character endures.

Emperor Norton was indeed a visionary, a precursor to modern celebrity culture, and a powerful symbol for those advocating for the marginalized. Even 150 years after his death, the spirit of Joshua Norton lives on in the hearts of San Franciscans, who recognize him as a champion for the little guy, embodying the values of a city that celebrates diversity and dreams.