West Dundee in Kane County, Illinois — The American Midwest (Great Lakes)

Pinkerton’s Early Home

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 21, 2012

1. Pinkerton’s Early Home Marker

Inscription. Allan Pinkerton, famous detective, had his home and cooperage on this lot, 1844-1850. Here he sheltered and employed slaves escaping to freedom. After helping to capture some counterfeiters, he became deputy sheriff of Kane County in 1848. In 1850 he founded his detective agency in Chicago. In February 1861 he was the bodyguard of President-Elect Abraham Lincoln on the train trip to Washington. Early in the Civil War he directed the spy service of the Union Army.

Erected 1968 by Troop 35 of the Boy Scouts of America, Dundee Township Historical Society and the Illinois State Historical Society.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Abolition & Underground RR • Government & Politics • Industry & Commerce • Law Enforcement • War, US Civil. In addition, it is included in the Former U.S. Presidents: #16 Abraham Lincoln, and the Illinois State Historical Society series lists. A significant historical month for this entry is February 1861.

Location. 42° 5.869′ N, 88° 16.79′ W. Marker is in West Dundee, Illinois, in Kane County. Marker is at the intersection of South Third Street and West Main Street, on the left when traveling south on South Third Street. Marker is on the southeast corner

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of South Third Street and Main Street (IL Route 72). The marker faces west toward South Third Street. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 217 West Main Street, Dundee IL 60118, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 4 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Otto J. Maha (about 800 feet away, measured in a direct line); Duff House (approx. 0.3 miles away); Dundee Veterans Honor Roll (approx. 0.3 miles away); West Dundee Riverwalk (approx. 0.4 miles away); W. [William] W. & Phebe Welch (approx. half a mile away); Civil War Memorial (approx. 0.6 miles away); Billy and Ma Sunday (approx. 1.8 miles away); Illinois Watch Case Company (approx. 3.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in West Dundee.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 21, 2012

2. Pinkerton’s Early Home Marker

Pinkerton’s Early Home image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Bill Kirchner, April 21, 2012

3. Pinkerton’s Early Home

Credits. This page was last revised on November 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on May 19, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. This page has been viewed 2,144 times since then and 235 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on May 19, 2012, by Bill Kirchner of Tucson, Arizona. • Bill Pfingsten was the editor who published this page.