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[[File:The Claimant Letter.jpg|300px|left]]
[[File:Emperor Joshua A. Norton I.jpg|250px|left]]
The '''[[Claimant Letter]]''' is the founding document of [[Westarctica]]. The purpose of the letter was analogous to a Declaration of Independence, although Westarctica was not under the authority of any world government at the time it declared itself to be a [[sovereignty|sovereign]] nation.
'''[[Emperor Norton]]''' was a resident of San Francisco, California, who in 1859 declared himself "Emperor of these United States" in September 1859, a role he played for the rest of his life.  


Starting in August 2001, [[Grand Duke Travis|Travis McHenry]] began researching the feasibility of making a legal claim to the previously unclaimed sector of [[Antarctica]] known as [[Marie Byrd Land]]. After closely studying the articles of the [[Antarctic Treaty]], Travis determined that the terms of the treaty would only prevent a ''country'' from making a claim to Antarctica territory, but it would not prevent an ''individual'' from doing the same.
Norton had no formal political power, but was treated deferentially in San Francisco and elsewhere in California, and currency issued in his name was honored in some of the establishments he frequented. Some considered Norton to be insane or eccentric, but residents of San Francisco and the city's larger Northern California orbit enjoyed his imperial presence and took note of his frequent newspaper proclamations. Norton received free ferry and train passage and a variety of favors, such as help with rent and free meals, from well-placed friends and sympathizers. Some of the city's merchants capitalized on his notoriety by selling souvenirs bearing his image.  


It wasn't until 30 October 2001 that Travis wrote what would effectively be a declaration of independence for the Achaean Territory of Antarctica. After purchasing special watermarked stationary paper, Travis composed the Claimant Letter from 29 - 30 October while he was home on leave at his mother's residence after completing his first deployment with the [[U.S. Navy]] to the Mediterranean Sea.
He is often considered the founding father of [[micronation|micronationalism]].


'''([[Claimant Letter|Full Article...]])'''
'''([[Emperor Norton|Full Article...]])'''

Latest revision as of 05:06, 11 July 2026

Emperor Joshua A. Norton I.jpg

Emperor Norton was a resident of San Francisco, California, who in 1859 declared himself "Emperor of these United States" in September 1859, a role he played for the rest of his life.

Norton had no formal political power, but was treated deferentially in San Francisco and elsewhere in California, and currency issued in his name was honored in some of the establishments he frequented. Some considered Norton to be insane or eccentric, but residents of San Francisco and the city's larger Northern California orbit enjoyed his imperial presence and took note of his frequent newspaper proclamations. Norton received free ferry and train passage and a variety of favors, such as help with rent and free meals, from well-placed friends and sympathizers. Some of the city's merchants capitalized on his notoriety by selling souvenirs bearing his image.

He is often considered the founding father of micronationalism.

(Full Article...)

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