Jesse James and associates. Guns and equipment

Today in History: Jesse James

Today in History–September 05–the Library of Congress features infamous outlaw Jesse James, born on this day in 1847. James left his home in Missouri at age 17 to fight as a Confederate guerilla in the Civil War. Later he and his gang of outlaws, which included his brother Frank and several other ex-Confederates, robbed banks, trains, stagecoaches, and stores across the western…

Today in History: Detective Allan Pinkerton

Today in History: Detective Allan Pinkerton

Today in History–August 25–the Library of Congress features Allan Pinkerton, born on this day in 1819.  A dedicated abolitionist, Pinkerton had a shop that was a “station” for escaped slaves traveling the Underground Railroad but his detective career began by chance when he unwittingly discovered then knowingly helped nab two sets of counterfeiters. Find out more about the crime-busting exploits of this Private Eye…