October 21, 2024

Rise of the Pinkertons: America's First Private Police Force

The Pinkerton National Detective Agency, commonly known as the Pinkertons, holds a unique place in American history. Founded in 1850 by Scottish immigrant Allan Pinkerton, the agency became infamous for its involvement in law enforcement, corporate protection, and even espionage. Over the years, the Pinkertons have been associated with everything from foiling assassination plots to suppressing labor strikes, earning both praise and controversy. Here are some random but fascinating facts about this storied organization.


1. Founded by a Revolutionary Activist

Allan Pinkerton, the agency's founder, was a radical activist before becoming a detective. In his native Scotland, Pinkerton was involved in a workers' rights movement and fled to the U.S. in 1842 to avoid persecution. Once settled in Chicago, he accidentally stumbled into detective work while investigating counterfeiters and became the city's first detective in 1849.


2. Foiled an Assassination Plot Against Abraham Lincoln

One of the Pinkertons' most significant early successes came in 1861 when the agency foiled a plot to assassinate then-president-elect Abraham Lincoln. Known as the "Baltimore Plot," conspirators planned to murder Lincoln while he was en route to his inauguration. The Pinkertons uncovered the plan and successfully helped Lincoln pass through Baltimore undetected, likely saving his life.


3. The Birth of the Mug Shot

The Pinkertons were pioneers in crime-solving techniques, and one of their notable contributions was the use of mug shots. Allan Pinkerton created what became known as the "Rogues' Gallery," a collection of photographs and detailed descriptions of known criminals. This became a prototype for modern criminal identification techniques still used today.


4. "We Never Sleep" - The Agency's Motto

The Pinkertons' motto, "We Never Sleep," was more than just a catchy slogan; it symbolized the agency's commitment to relentless vigilance. The logo featuring an open eye led to the phrase "private eye" becoming synonymous with private detectives.


5. The Pinkertons Were the Original Secret Service

Before the U.S. Secret Service was created in 1865, the Pinkertons often acted as personal security for key figures in the government. They provided protection to President Lincoln during the Civil War and continued to serve government needs in the following years. In fact, the Pinkertons were at one point considered a model for what would later become the U.S. Secret Service.


6. Corporate Strikebreakers

Perhaps one of the most controversial aspects of the Pinkertons' history was their role in suppressing labor strikes. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the agency became infamous for being hired by major corporations to infiltrate unions and break up strikes. One of the most notable incidents was the 1892 Homestead Strike, where Pinkerton agents were called in to end a labor dispute between steelworkers and the Carnegie Steel Company. The resulting battle led to casualties on both sides and severely tarnished the Pinkertons' reputation.


7. Pinkerton vs. Jesse James and the Wild West Outlaws

The Pinkertons were instrumental in tracking down some of the most notorious outlaws of the American West, including Jesse James and the James-Younger Gang. Although they never captured Jesse James himself, they were relentless in their pursuit of him and other criminals like Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid.


8. The Pinkertons Were Banned from Federal Employment

The controversy surrounding the Pinkertons' involvement in labor strikes and their growing power led to a backlash. In 1893, Congress passed the Anti-Pinkerton Act, which prohibited the federal government from employing any individual working for a detective agency like the Pinkertons. This law is still in effect today, highlighting the agency's once-powerful influence in American society.


9. A Long Legacy

Although the Pinkerton Detective Agency no longer operates in the same capacity as it did in the 19th century, the company still exists today. It was acquired by the Swedish security company Securitas AB in 1999, and Pinkerton continues to offer risk management, security consulting, and investigative services under its original name.


10. The Pinkertons in Popular Culture

The Pinkertons have long been a staple in popular culture, often depicted as antagonists in books, films, and video games. They have appeared in classic Westerns, such as The Assassination of Jesse James by the Coward Robert Ford, and in modern video games like Red Dead Redemption 2, where they are portrayed as relentless lawmen. This mix of fact and fiction has helped perpetuate the Pinkertons' mystique.


Conclusion

The Pinkerton National Detective Agency's history is marked by innovation, controversy, and intrigue. From protecting presidents to battling outlaws, they left an indelible mark on American history. Today, their name still resonates, reminding us of a time when private detectives wielded immense power and influence. Whether seen as heroes or villains, the Pinkertons' legacy is undeniably fascinating.