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Joshua Abraham Norton, self-proclaimed as "Norton I, Emperor of the United States," is one of the most beloved and eccentric figures in San Francisco history. After losing his fortune in a failed attempt to corner the rice market, Norton disappeared, only to re-emerge in 1859 with a proclamation declaring himself Emperor. Instead of being shunned, the city of San Francisco embraced him. He wore an elaborate uniform, inspected the streets, issued his own currency (which local businesses actually accepted), and famously decreed that a bridge should be built connecting San Francisco to Oakland—a vision realized decades later with the Bay Bridge. This video explores his whimsical reign, his "defense" of Chinese immigrants during anti-Chinese riots, and his massive funeral, where 30,000 people gathered to mourn the pauper who lived like a king.

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