The Emperor of the United States

01/13/22 • 51 min

2 Listeners

When San Franciscan businessman Joshua Norton lost his fortune in a Peruvian rice deal gone sour, he temporarily disappeared from the public eye. Not long after, he reemerged as Norton I, the self-proclaimed Emperor of the United States (and, later, Protector of Mexico). In today's episode, Ben and Noel explore the life and times of Norton, and the surprising legacy he left behind.

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Ridiculous History - The Emperor of the United States

Transcript Summary

In this intriguing episode titled "The Emperor of the United States," the podcast delves into the captivating life of Joshua Norton, more famously known as Emperor Norton. Joshua Norton's story, influenced by the Sandman comics by Neil Gaiman, revolves around a wager between desire and despair. Born in Britain and raised in South Africa, Norton immigrated to the US during the California Gold Rush, where he achieved wealth before losing it all in a failed attempt to corner the rice market. However, that marked the beginning of his extraordinary journey as he declared himself the Emperor of the United States, becoming a beloved figure in San Francisco. Norton's eccentricities, from writing letters to Queen Victoria to collecting walking sticks, captured the public's imagination. Despite debates regarding his mental health, Norton's proclamations, which humorously criticized political corruption and advocated for equality, gained popularity and made him an iconic figure, even inspiring authors and artists. Revered by the public and treated with respect, he roamed the city dressed in military attire, demanding taxes in unique ways and accepting non-monetary payments. With sidekicks in the form of his dogs Bummer and Lazarus, Emperor Norton became a celebrity, spawning merchandise and creating his own currency, "Norton bucks." Norton's uncanny predictions, such as the need for a bridge between San Francisco and Oakland, further added to his mystique. Despite occasional altercations and encounters with law enforcement, Norton was largely harmless and admired for his charisma and progressive views. The episode explores his significant impact on San Francisco's history and culture, as well as the ongoing efforts to honor him, including renaming a part of the Bay Bridge after Emperor Norton. The story concludes tragically, as Norton's collapse on a San Francisco street corner leads to his untimely death, sparking panic among the people. For a fascinating tale of an unconventional and beloved historical figure who left an indelible mark on a city, this episode is a must-listen.

Transcript

Speaker 100:00:00.239

Ridiculous History is a production of I Heart Radio. Welcome back to the show Ridiculous Historians. Thank you, as always so much for tuning in. That's our one and only super producer, Mr Max Williams. Can we get some regal music? Max?

Speaker 100:00:42.158

Thank you? They called me Ben Noel. You and I are both big fans of the Sandman comics. Remember those? Oh my god, are you getting so funny? I tried to give my t

The Emperor of the United States Top Questions Answered

Who is Joshua Norton?

Joshua Norton was a character in the Sandman comics by Neil Gaiman, but he was also a real-life figure known as the "Emperor of the United States." He was a British-born immigrant who became wealthy in San Francisco but later lost his fortune and possibly his mind.

What was Joshua Norton known for?

Joshua Norton was known for declaring himself the Emperor of the United States and gained popularity in San Francisco. Despite his eccentric behavior, he was beloved by the people and considered a symbol of fairness, tolerance, and anti-political corruption.

Where did Joshua Norton live?

Joshua Norton lived in San Francisco, California. He resided in a boarding house and had a rental residence where he had a routine that involved playing chess and attending religious services.

Did Joshua Norton have any notable possessions?

Joshua Norton had a gold coin and a collection of hats and cats. He also had his own currency called "Norton bucks," which he used to obtain goods and services for free.

Was Joshua Norton mentally stable?

Joshua Norton suffered from major depression and it is unclear whether his declaration as the Emperor of the United States was a genuine delusion or a tongue-in-cheek hustle. His behavior was viewed as harmless by the people of San Francisco, who cherished him as a beloved figure.

How did Joshua Norton gain attention and earn a living?

Joshua Norton used his role as emperor to gain attention and earn a living. He became a public figure treated with respect and received special perks from business owners in San Francisco.

What impact did Joshua Norton have on San Francisco?

Joshua Norton had a significant impact on San Francisco. He was seen as a positive symbol for fairness, tolerance, and anti-political corruption. He advocated for the rights of African Americans and Chinese immigrants and actively spoke against racism.

Did Joshua Norton make any accurate predictions?

Joshua Norton predicted the construction of a bridge between San Francisco and Oakland, which eventually came true. His prediction was seen as remarkable at the time.

What famous authors and artists were influenced by Joshua Norton's story?

Many famous authors and artists, including Mark Twain, were inspired by Joshua Norton's story. He was seen as an early psychedelic prophet and greatly influenced the hippie culture in San Francisco.

Was Joshua Norton ever arrested?

Joshua Norton was arrested for vagrancy but was released, and he even received a formal apology from the police force. Despite the arrest, he continued to be viewed as a harmless and beloved figure.

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