From SFWiki

Joshua Abraham Norton (1815 – January 8, 1880) proclaimed himself Emperor of America and the Protector of Mexico in 1859.

Imperial Reign

One of his imperial highness' most famous decrees was that a bridge be built linking San Francisco and Oakland.

"WHEREAS, we issued our decree ordering the citizens of San Francisco and Oakland to appropriate funds for the survey of a suspension bridge from Oakland Point via Goat Island; also for a tunnel; and to ascertain which is the best project; and whereas the said citizens have hitherto neglected to notice our said decree; and whereas we are determined our authority shall be fully respected; now, therefore, we do hereby command the arrest by the army of both the Boards of City Fathers if they persist in neglecting our decrees.

"Given under our royal hand and seal at San Francisco, this 17th day of September, 1872."

We know Goat Island as Yerba Buena Island today, but his wishes were carried out 61 years later when construction of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge began in 1933.