San Francisco, California: Where Emperor Norton Lived
E Clampus Vitus marker at the former site of Eureka Lodgings, where Emperor Norton (of the United States, Protector of Mexico) lived for 17 years. The 1870 U.S. Census listed his occupation as "Emperor."
Empire Park
- Address:
- 642 Commercial St., San Francisco, CA
- Directions:
- Empire Park. North side of Commercial St. midway between Kearny and Montgomery Sts. Pocket park is gated and opened sporadically.
- Hours:
- May be gated and locked.
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Visitor Tips and News About Where Emperor Norton Lived
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The plaque is inaccurate. It claims that it marks what was the former site of the rooming house where Emperor Norton lived. But the rooming house was next door to the park, currently occupied by a four-story mixed use apartment building at 650-654 Commercial St.
[John Lumea, 04/15/2025]
Commercial Street has been renamed/dedicated to Emperor Norton.
[Missy, 10/02/2023]
The Emperor Norton historical marker is in a small park.
[Ken, 07/19/2019]The former site of the Eureka Lodgings, where Joshua Abraham Norton resided from 1863 until his death in 1880. According to the 2016 E Clampus Vitus plaque, "The U.S. Census of 1870 showed his residence as the Eureka Lodgings and recorded his occupation as 'Emperor'."
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The Emperor would've imperially brandished his battered sabre at those who got his address wrong.