Who was Alan Pinkerton and what did he create? Provide a brief overview of some of his accomplishments.( 2 references, 400-500 words)
Sample Solution
Alan Pinkerton (1819–1884) was a Scottish-born American detective and spy who is credited with creating the first private detective agency in the United States. He became well known for his dedication to law enforcement and his private investigations. His Pinkerton National Detective Agency helped to solve some of the most notorious criminal cases of the 19th century, while also playing an important role in protecting business owners from crime, fraud and embezzlement.
Pinkerton started out as a cooper at a barrel factory before joining the police in 1850, where he quickly rose through the ranks to become Chicago's first full-time police detective. In 1850, he founded his own investigation company which became known as “The Pinkertons” or “The Pinks” due its distinctive logo—a single open eye representing vigilance.