18 September 12

LONG LIVE EMPEROR NORTON! In 1859, on September 17, Joshua Abraham Norton proclaimed himself Emperor of the United States, taking the titles "Imperial Majesty Emperor Norton I" and "Protector of Mexico." Wikipedia reports that "although he had no political power, and his influence extended only so far as he was humored by those around him, he was treated deferentially in San Francisco, and currency issued in his name was honored in the establishments he frequented." His eccentric behavior made him a great local celebrity, and he famously "decreed" the creation of a bridge between Oakland and San Francisco (which later became the Bay Bridge).