Kate Warne
First female detective in the US (1833–1868)
Kate Warne (August 28, 1833 – January 28, 1868) was an American law enforcement officer best known as the first female detective in the United States, for the Pinkerton National Detective Agency. She also had a role in uncovering the 1861 Baltimore Plot against President-elect Abraham Lincoln, recruiting female agents for the Pinkerton Agency, and conducting intelligence work for the Union during the American Civil War.
Pre–Civil War
Early detective work: 1856–1861
Very little is known about Kate Warne prior to her working for Allan Pinkerton, except that she was born in Erin, Chemung County, New York and was a widow by age 23. An obituary following her death described her parents as "honest and industrious people" and stated that they were poor, resulting in her taking over many of the household duties. Pinkerton, in his book The Spy of the Rebellion (1883), described her as a commanding person, with "clear cut, expressive features" and called her a "slender, brown-haired woman, graceful in her movements and self-possessed." He added that her features, "although not what could be called handsome [beautiful], were decidedly of an intellectual cast" and said that her face was "honest."
In 1856, at the age of 23, Warne walked into the Pinkerton Detective Agency in response to an advertisement in a local newspaper, and requested a job as a detective. Pinkerton was initially hesitant to hire her. However, Warne convinced him that her undercover skills would be helpful. Pinkerton company records reported Pinkerton as declaring "It is not the custom to employ women detectives!" and noted that Warne argued her point of view, adding that "women have an eye for detail and are excellent observers."
Warne's arguments swayed Pinkerton, who employed her as his first female detective. Pinkerton soon had a chance to put Warne to the test. In 1858, Warne was involved in the case of Adams Express Company embezzlements, where she was successfully able to bring herself into the confidence of the wife of the prime suspect, Mr.
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