11.29.2005
Norton I: Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico
>
Try the Puzzle
One of the interesting characters of the West was Norton, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. His self-appointed reign from San Francisco began in 1859 with this proclamation.
At the pre-emptory request 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 nine years and ten months past of San Francisco, California, declare and proclaim myself the Emperor of These United States.
During his reign, Emperor Norton abolished Congress, removed the governor
of Virginia, dissolved the Republic, fired Abraham Lincoln, and
banned the word "Frisco" - among his many declarations.
