American History Tellers The Pinkerton Detective Agency | "We Never Sleep" | 1
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May 8, 2024 The podcast delves into the origins of the Pinkerton Detective Agency, founded by Allan Pinkerton, highlighting their role in preventing the assassination of President Lincoln. It explores Pinkerton's journey from Scotland to becoming a renowned lawman, as well as the agency's evolution into spies during the Civil War and pursuit of outlaws in the Wild West. The thrilling recount of train robberies and the relentless pursuit of the notorious Reno Brothers gang adds an exciting twist to the narrative.
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First Female Pinkerton Detective
- Kate Warren became the first female detective in America by convincing Pinkerton she could extract secrets inaccessible to male detectives.
- She successfully uncovered and helped convict a major theft case, establishing her as an invaluable agent.
Private Police Filled Public Gap
- Public police in mid-1800s America were untrained, corrupt, and unreliable.
- Pinkerton took advantage of this gap to create a private agency specializing in chasing robbers and investigating crime.
Foiling Lincoln's Assassination Plot
- Pinkerton went undercover as a southern stockbroker to infiltrate a rebel group plotting to assassinate Lincoln.
- This intelligence enabled him to disguise Lincoln and safely escort him through Baltimore.