Allan Pinkerton, a Scottish immigrant, founded the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago in 1850. It became the most famous private detective agency in America.
Pinkerton agents protected railroads and pursued outlaws including the James gang and the Wild Bunch. The agency also claimed to have uncovered a plot against Abraham Lincoln in 1861.
Did You Know?
The agency’s logo, an open eye with the motto We Never Sleep, is often credited with inspiring the phrase private eye.
Safety Note
Never approach a wanted person yourself. If you have information about a fugitive, contact law enforcement. Learn more about fugitive recovery history and public bulletins at FugitiveHQ.
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