Emperor Norton’s 156th Anniversary
On the morning of September 17, 1859, Joshua Norton walked into the office of George Fitch, editor of the San Francisco Evening Bulletin and handed Fitch a proclamation declaring himself “Emperor of these United States.”
Fitch printed the proclamation in that evening’s edition. With this single act, Norton founded a borderless Empire of the heart that continues to the present and into the future.
His most bad ass proclamation as “Emperor?” Whoever after due and proper warning shall be heard to utter the abominable word “Frisco,” which has no linguistic or other warrant, shall be deemed guilty of a High Misdemeanor, and shall pay into the Imperial Treasury as penalty the sum of twenty-five dollars. – 1872
Emperor Norton’s 156th Anniversary Celebration
Thursday, September 17, 2015 – 6:00 pm
Transamerica Redwood Park | Clay St. and Merchant St., SF
FREEThe Emperor’s Bridge Campaign invite you to a brief celebration in the Transamerica Redwood Park on Thursday, September 17, 2015 at 6 pm sharp. The Park will be open late by special arrangement. Following the ceremony, the loyal subjects will adjourn to Comstock Saloon for a toast.
It may be far from a coincidence that Joshua Norton chose 17 September to declare himself and his Empire — as this also was the date, in 1787, when delegates to the Constitutional Convention in Philadelphia signed the U.S. Constitution. Today, September 17 is an official U.S. holiday known as Citizenship Day, but you can come and declare yourself a citizen of the Empire. Learn more about the Emperor’s Bridge Campaign
Today, Redwood Park — adjacent to the Transamerica Pyramid — is just steps (directly across the street) from where the Emperor declared himself and his Empire. The event — like the Empire itself — is free and open to all.
