American History Tellers The Pinkerton Detective Agency | Behind The Brand | 4
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May 29, 2024 
Professor S. Paul O'Hara discusses Allan Pinkerton's journey founding the Pinkerton Detective Agency, balancing their heroic image with controversial strike-breaking work. The podcast explores Pinkerton's branding strategies, rivalry with Jesse James, and evolution from respected detectives to criticized security guards during the Gilded Age.
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Pinkerton's Embellished Spy Stories
- Allan Pinkerton instructed ghost writers to embellish facts and add dialogue in his spy stories.
- He prioritized entertaining readers over strict historical accuracy to promote his detective agency.
The Pinkerton Myth and Reality
- The legend and folklore of the Pinkertons often overshadow the actual historical truth.
- Historian Paul O'Hara suggests telling the story of how the Pinkertons' brand was crafted rather than just their deeds.
Money Chaos Fueled Pinkerton's Start
- The era's decentralized banking led to many state banks issuing their own notes, often counterfeit.
- Pinkerton seized this money chaos to begin his detective career focusing on counterfeiters.