| For two decades in mid-19th century San Francisco, a man dubbed Emperor Norton wandered the streets, claiming imperial rights. He decreed, among other things, that the United States be dissolved. | 
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| Joshua A. Norton announced his edict as Emperor of the United States, announcing his rule by issuing an official proclamation. With the indulgence of the editor of the San Francisco Bulletin, Norton's edict was made known to his new subjects on September 17, 1859.
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