Allan Pinkerton

Biography

Allan Pinkerton forged a new path in American law enforcement by founding the Pinkerton National Detective Agency, bringing order and a modern investigative ethos to the rapidly expanding nation. He believed deeply in protecting citizens and pursuing justice with integrity, even when the challenges seemed insurmountable.

Pinkerton’s agency pioneered practices that became standard for investigators across the country, and his tireless advocacy for public safety left an indelible imprint on Chicago and beyond. His passing in 1884 marked the end of an era, yet his influence endures at Graceland Cemetery and far beyond.