Emperor Norton Place Dedication & Celebration
Date and Time for this Past Event
- Sunday, Sep 17, 2023 1pm - 4pm
Location
Emperor Norton Place
Details
A FREE Dedication and Celebration of Emperor Norton Place
In late 1849, Joshua Abraham Norton arrived in San Francisco and quickly established himself as a successful merchant and investor. After a series of business reverses led to his bankruptcy in 1856, Joshua Norton publicly declared himself “Norton I, Emperor of the United States”— later adding the title “Protector of Mexico.” Over the next 20 years, Emperor Norton distinguished himself as an early champion of fairness, tolerance, and the common good—values that are still associated with his adopted city. In so doing, he became—and remains—one of San Francisco’s favorite folk heroes.
This year, the City of San Francisco added Emperor Norton Place as a commemorative name for the 600 block of Commercial—and placed an “Emperor Norton Place” street sign at the northwest corner of Montgomery and Commercial Streets. The celebration will begin here, and then move up the street to the San Francisco Historical Society Museum and the hidden gem Empire Park, both just steps away from Emperor Norton’s residence on Commercial Street.
Festivities will include:
• Music performed by the Freedom Marching Band
• Art activities for kids
• Colorful figures from SF history, including gold miner “Sourdough Steve,” popular singer Lola Montez, and the Emperor himself dressed in full regalia
• A scavenger hunt for historical plaques, with prizes
• Free tours of the SFHS Museum
Don't miss this opportunity to step back in time!
This event is a cooperative effort made possible by:
• Office of San Francisco Board of Supervisors President Aaron Peskin
• Emperor Norton Legacy League
• The Emperor Norton Trust
• San Francisco Historical Society
• The Ancient & Honorable Order of E Clampus Vitus, Yerba Buena Lodge Number One