Security in America: 1850-1899
| A New Era of Protection Over the past few months, we’ve explored how America’s approach to security evolved from the fortifications and spy networks of the 1700s to the locks, militias, and watchmen of the early 1800s. As the nation continued to grow and industrialize, new technologies and organized protection efforts began to take shape. In this next chapter of our series, we look at the mid to late 1800s. This pivotal period introduced the first private security agencies, modern lock innovations, and the professionalization of public safety. |
| FROM YALE LOCKS TO PINKERTON AGENTS |
| 1. Private Protection: The Yale revolving tumbler lock marks Linus Yale Jr.’s first major improvement on his father’s designs, bridging the gap between the slide lock and the modern pin-tumbler mechanism he later patented in 1865. It introduced a revolving key motion, where the key was inserted and then turned—much like today’s locks. |
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| Yale revolving tumbler lock, Patent US 48475, 1865. Source: Safelockcollector.com |
| 2. Private Security Agencies: Founded in 1850, the Pinkerton National Detective Agency became America’s first large-scale private security force, protecting railroads, businesses, and even national leaders at a time when federal resources were limited. |
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| Pinkerton safely protects the 16th President, Abraham Lincoln, from the first assassination attempt on his life, 1861. Source: Pinkerton.com |
| 3. Watchmen and Policing: While some cities still used night watchmen to patrol streets, this era also saw the beginnings of formal municipal police forces. Watchmen with lanterns gradually gave way to organized, uniformed police officers. |
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| The January 7, 1854 issue of Gleason’s Pictorial provides us with the first illustration and description of the uniform designed, adopted and worn by the Municipal Police, the first uniformed police force in the City of New York. Source: nypdhistory.com |
| WHY IT MATTERS TODAY The late 19th century was a turning point when private industry, new technology, and the public sector began to share responsibility for safety. From the locks that secure our homes to the rise of organized security services, the foundations of modern security practices began here. Reflecting on the past to strengthen the security of tomorrow. |