History of Private Investigators

Ever heard the term "private eye" and wondered where it came from? The story behind it is as fascinating as it is unexpected. It’s tied to the history of crime-fighting and espionage that began over 170 years ago.

1850: The Start of Private Investigation

In 1850, Allan Pinkerton, a Scottish immigrant, saw a big problem in the United States. Back then, there was no national police force. If criminals crossed state lines, they were almost impossible to catch. Pinkerton decided to change that and founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. It was the first of its kind.

1861: Saving Abraham Lincoln

The agency made a name for itself early on. In 1861, Pinkerton agents uncovered a plot to assassinate President-elect Abraham Lincoln as he traveled to Washington. They worked quickly, gathering evidence and helping Lincoln avoid danger by sneaking him through Baltimore unnoticed. Thanks to their efforts, he made it safely to his inauguration.

The Birth of the “Private Eye”

The Pinkerton agency had a logo of an open eye paired with the slogan, “We Never Sleep.” This watchful symbol inspired the nickname “private eye,” a term we still use today.

Chasing Wild West Outlaws

In the late 1800s, the Pinkertons became famous for chasing some of the most dangerous outlaws in the Wild West. They pursued Jesse James and his gang, along with Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid. Their relentless pursuit forced Butch and Sundance to flee to South America in an attempt to escape.

Spies During the Civil War

During the Civil War, Pinkerton agents became key players in the Union’s intelligence efforts. They infiltrated Confederate camps, gathered critical information, and even helped shape military strategies. For a time, Allan Pinkerton himself led Union intelligence operations, relying on his team’s undercover work to outsmart the enemy.

Changing the Game in Investigations

The Pinkertons did more than just solve crimes. They introduced techniques that became staples in modern investigations. They used surveillance, followed suspects for weeks, and kept detailed case files. They were also among the first to use mugshots to track criminals across different states.

Facing Controversy

Not all of their work was celebrated. In the late 1800s, the Pinkertons were hired to break up labor strikes. These jobs often led to violent clashes and earned the agency a controversial reputation. Their growing power eventually led Congress to pass a law that limited how much the government could depend on them.

Despite the controversy, the Pinkertons left an incredible mark on history. They set the standard for private investigation and inspired countless others to uncover the truth.

Imagine what they could have done with today’s tools. GPS tracking? DNA evidence? It’s fun to think about how much further they could have taken their work.