The Pinkerton Agency was founded in 1850 by Allan Pinkerton. He was instrumental in bringing down the James gang, the Molly Maguires, the Reno brothers and other criminals of the day. During the Civil War, Pinkerton foiled an assassination plot against Abraham Lincoln. Pinkerton opens a window to America and its history with a little bravado, a little humor and adds the detail that made him the most famous lawman of his day.