On the reeking pavement, in the darkness of a moonless night under the dripping rain, and surrounded by a hastily gathered crowd of wondering strangers, Norton I, by the grace of God, Emperor of the United States and Protector of Mexico, departed this life. -- San Francisco Chronicle, January 9, 1880

Upon today's sad date in 1880 passed < ahref=http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Emperor_Norton>Emperor Norton I.

This noble monarch oversaw San Francisco (and the United States, and Mexico) during his gentle reign, issuing such important decrees as the building of what would become known as the Bay Bridge and subjecting to fine those using the abhorrent word "Frisco." more ›