Summary
A brief historical overview of the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, from its origins in 1850 to its involvement in frontier law enforcement, the Civil War, and labor disputes.
Highlights
Origins and Frontier Justice00:00:00
Founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton, the agency gained national fame for tracking outlaws like Butch Cassidy and Jesse James.
Civil War Service00:00:24
The Pinkertons served as spies for the Union Army and successfully thwarted an assassination attempt against President Abraham Lincoln.
Controversies and Legacy00:00:36
The agency became known for union-busting activities, most notably during the violent Homestead strike. Today, the company continues to operate under the name Pinkerton.