Assassination of James King, of William, corner of Montgomery and Washington Streets, San Francisco, California

Today in History: Committee of Vigilance & Vigilantes

Today in History–May 15–the Library of Congress features San Francisco‘s second Committee of Vigilance organized on this day in 1856 to combat crime in the boomtown. Committee members were overwhelming Republicans and Democrat “crooks” were often the target of the vigilance. Learn more by visiting the Today in History section, then click the links below to access primary sources related to…

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…