History results
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The Art Thief and the Detectives: A Story of Ransom and Respect
Read the true story of Adam Worth, the mastermind behind the Duchess of Devonshire heist, pursued by detective William Pinkerton
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From Shadowy Figures to Secret Operatives: Unveiling the True Pinkerton Operatives
How Pinkerton Operatives Became Synonymous with Integrity, Vigilance, and Excellence
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Strategic Defense: Pinkerton's Role in Protecting WWII's Industrial Complex
Discover how Pinkerton protected vital industries from sabotage during WWII, ensuring the success of the Allied war effort.
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Under the Big Tent: The Pinkerton Who Protected Buffalo Bill's Wild West Show
Discover the thrill of Buffalo Bill’s 1900 Wild West Show, from its epic performances to Pinkerton detectives tackling crime and ticket scalpers on tour
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The Baltimore Plot
Explore how Allan Pinkerton uncovered a deadly plot against Lincoln in 1861, using clever detective work to ensure his safe arrival in Washington during a crucial moment in history.
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The Rise of the Pinkerton Protective Patrol in 1850s Chicago
Explore the history of Allan Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency and the creation of the Pinkerton Protective Patrol, which revolutionized private security in 19th-century Chicago. Learn about Pinkerton's role in shaping urban safety and crime prevention.
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Pinkerton's First Railroad Contract in 1855
Explore the story behind Pinkerton's groundbreaking 1855 contract with Midwest railroads, which played a key role in America's growth. Learn how this partnership shaped railroad security, connected to Abraham Lincoln, and helped tackle crime during a pivotal time in history.
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Pinkerton at the Races
Early Pinkertons gained a reputation for racetrack security. Every thief knew if they committed a crime at the races that they would be pursued to the end.
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The Holiday Swindler and the Detectives
One of the most dangerous forgers of his time, Lawrence Farrell evaded arrest for years. But Pinkerton investigators finally nabbed this wiley criminal.
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From Detective to Clairvoyant: Kate Warne's Legendary Fortune-Teller Disguise
Uncovering the Secret Operation of Pinkerton's First Female Detective
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Pinkerton, Lincoln, and McClernand at the Secret Service Headquarters
The story of the iconic Civil War photograph of President Abraham Lincoln with Allan Pinkerton and General John A. McClernand at a key time in US history.
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The Fort Worth Five: The Iconic Photo that Ended the Wild West's Most Notorious Gang
Discover how the Fort Worth Five photo led to the Pinkertons' relentless pursuit and the fall of the Wild Bunch in the Old West.
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Scouts and Spies: John Scobell
John Scobell, a former slave, provided valuable undercover service to the Union Army during the American Civil War. Part of our Scouts and Spies series.
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Missing! The Mona Lisa and the Detective
Pinkertons conducted a global investigation when the Mona Lisa disappeared in 1911.
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Mona Lisa and the Pinkertons 1962-63
Pinkertons played a small but crucial role in the secure transportation and protection of the Mona Lisa during its historic journey to the United States.
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Scouts and Spies: Samuel M. Bridgeman
Samuel M. Bridgeman — sailor, sharpshooter, detective, scout, and Pinkerton Agent — led a life filled with extraordinary experiences and adventures.
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Pinkerton’s Historic Shadow Detectives
Shadow detectives were among the specialized agents of the historic Pinkerton’s National Detective Agency. Learn more about these skilled investigators.
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Scouts and Spies: Timothy Webster
Timothy Webster was an American hero — Pinkerton, bodyguard for President-elect Abraham Lincoln, and spy for the Union during the American Civil War.
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John C. Babcock: From Architect to Civil War Scout and Mapmaker
John C. Babcock was a Pinkerton and Civil War scout with the Federal Secret Service whose mapmaking skills helped shape Union military strategies.
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The Daring Express Robber and the Detectives
Pinkerton history includes the intriguing tale of George Edward Cunliffe, who stole $100,000 from his employer but used the funds in a most peculiar way.
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Scouts and Spies: The Covert Operations of Pinkerton’s Secret Service in the Civil War
In Pinkerton history, President Abraham Lincoln appointed Allan Pinkerton to establish intelligence operations, resulting in the first Secret Service.
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The Springfield Job and the Detectives
After a Springfield, IL bank robbery, Pinkerton agents tracked the wily thieves until they were brought to justice. Learn more in this historical post.
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The Pinkertons and the 1964-65 World’s Fair
Pinkerton provided security and other staffing for the 1964-65 World's Fair in Queens, NY, possibly the largest private security assignment in history.
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Kate Warne and Pinkerton's Female Detectives
From early in Pinkerton’s history, women detectives played a critical role. Kate Warne, leader of the women’s division, revolutionized women in security.
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Woods, Ciphers, and Stones
How the old Pinkerton National Detective Agency protected not only its agents, but also the informants who helped close cases and nab criminals.
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Historic Hotel Testing Services and Risk Assessments
Hotel security and risk assessments have a long history at Pinkerton. Read about Pinkerton’s early hotel testing services and one operative’s experience.
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The Saboteur and the Detective
Investigation, infiltration, and bomb disarming – all in a day’s work for Pinkertons who helped prevent a terrorist act on US soil early in World War I.
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The Battle at Gravesend and the Detectives
Over 100 years ago, a turf war at Brooklyn’s Gravesend Race Track involved carrier pigeons, tennis balls, a 60-foot fence – and Pinkerton expertise.
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The Department Stores and the Detectives
Three stories from Pinkerton history show how our investigative experts helped businesses discover security gaps and vulnerabilities – and still do today.
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The LaLiberty Gang and the Detective
In 1893, a mining company's entire payroll was stolen from a moving train at gunpoint. How did William Pinkerton solve the case? The clue was in the shoes.
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The “Prince of Forgers” and the Detectives
Pinkerton agents relentlessly pursued notorious forger John Becker until his arrest in May 1896. Read more about this exciting investigation.