Grave of Emperor Norton I

Joshua Abraham Norton rests here, marked by a large stone inscribed with the title Norton I, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico. Norton was a San Francisco businessman who, after losing his fortune in the eighteen fifties, famously declared himself emperor and became a fixture of the city streets for two decades. He issued his own currency, wrote decrees on public policy, and was widely celebrated by locals who participated in his eccentric, regal life.