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Who is the Emperor of the United States of America?
On this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties.
Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States?
...
Special guest for this episode:
- John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times
...
Highlights from this episode:
- Emperor Norton, originally Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, a title that was never officially recognized.
- His early life in South Africa and migration to the U.S. remain largely a mystery, with few records detailing his journey and experiences.
- Norton’s financial decline began after a series of poor business decisions in the commodities market, leading to his eventual bankruptcy.
- Despite his eccentric self-declaration, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, advocating for social justice and civil rights in a progressive manner.
- The Emperor Norton Trust aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Norton, highlighting his contributions to American history and culture.
- Records indicate that Norton's proclamations often addressed social issues of the time, showcasing him as a surprisingly progressive figure for his era.
...
Additional Resources:
The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy
Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History
Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
NeoTaste
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.
View all episodes
By Liam HeffernanOn this day in 1869, self-proclaimed Emperor Norton of the USA issued an order, abolishing the Democratic and Republican parties.
Confused? I’m not surprised. So this week we’re going to unpack one of the more bizarre and lesser talked about individuals in America, and why he still, to this day, has left an indelible mark on the country’s history, as I ask… who was the Emperor of the United States?
...
Special guest for this episode:
- John Lumea, the founder of The Emperor Norton Trust, who describes himself as a ‘champion of beautiful losers’. He studied philosophy and religion at St. Andrews in Scotland, and now resides in Boston. Today he is a writer and activist and his work has been covered in major publications including the Wall Street Journal, New York Times, and the LA Times
...
Highlights from this episode:
- Emperor Norton, originally Joshua Abraham Norton, declared himself Emperor of the United States in 1859, a title that was never officially recognized.
- His early life in South Africa and migration to the U.S. remain largely a mystery, with few records detailing his journey and experiences.
- Norton’s financial decline began after a series of poor business decisions in the commodities market, leading to his eventual bankruptcy.
- Despite his eccentric self-declaration, Norton became a beloved figure in San Francisco, advocating for social justice and civil rights in a progressive manner.
- The Emperor Norton Trust aims to preserve and promote the legacy of Norton, highlighting his contributions to American history and culture.
- Records indicate that Norton's proclamations often addressed social issues of the time, showcasing him as a surprisingly progressive figure for his era.
...
Additional Resources:
The Emperor Norton Trust | Research, Education, Advocacy
Emperor Norton: San Francisco's Beloved Eccentric Ruler of the Gold Rush Era - Sick History
Who is Joshua Norton, a South African immigrant who once declared himself emperor of the United States? - The Economic Times
...
And if you like this episode, you might also love:
What Makes Country Music so American?
Are the Oscars Still Relevant?
Why Does Everyone Love Disney?
Could Friends BE Any Bigger?
How Accurate is Forrest Gump?
...
SUPPORT THE SHOW
Individual Supporters: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/support
University Partners: https://america-a-history.captivate.fm/partnerships
Brand Sponsors: [email protected]
Contact us: [email protected]
We're partnering with NeoTaste, the exclusive membership card unlocking huge discounts at hundreds of restaurants across the UK & Europe. Get your first 2 months free by using the code AAH at checkout. Sign up here: https://neotaste.com/gb?code=AAH&a=2
Are you a University or college? Become an academic partner and your name will appear right here.
Mentioned in this episode:
NeoTaste
Be on the Show!
What would you put in a US time capsule? We're creating a virtual one on the podcast very soon, and we want to hear from you. Visit https://www.speakpipe.com/AmericaAHistory right now to record your contribution... and you might just make it on the show.