Kate Warne joins the Pinkerton Detective Agency

Background. The Pinkerton National Detective Agency was established in Chicago around 1850 by Allan Pinkerton. In February 1855, Pinkerton created an agency in Chicago after consulting with railroads. The agency began hiring women shortly after its founding because they were useful as spies, a practice uncommon at the time. This context facilitated Warne's entry into the profession.

Hiring Process. Kate Warne, a widow from New York, walked into the Pinkerton Detective Agency in 1856 at age 23. She responded to a local newspaper advertisement and requested a job as a detective. Her arguments swayed Allan Pinkerton, who employed her as his first female detective, marking a significant development in the agency's history.

Significance. Warne's hiring established her as the first female detective in the United States for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. This event influenced modern detective work principles. The agency's willingness to hire women and minorities shortly after its founding highlighted their utility in investigative roles, setting a precedent for future female agents.