Reno Gang + Pinkerton Detective Agency

• What was the main focus of the U.S. government during the Civil War (1861-65)?

  Securing union victory over the southern confederacy
• How did the Civil War contribute to lawlessness in the West?

  It distracted the government from maintaining law and order
• What was the Reno Gang known for?

  They were a group of civil war deserters who committed robberies
• What significant event did the Reno Gang carry out in 1866?

  They executed a train robbery stealing $16,000
• Who did the railroad company hire to catch the Reno Gang?

  The Pinkerton Detective Agency
• What was the outcome of the Pinkerton's efforts against the Reno Gang?

  They successfully captured John Reno
• What was the amount stolen in the Reno Gang's fourth robbery?

  $96,000
• What role did vigilance committees play in the law enforcement of the time?

  They provided private justice without waiting for official authorities
• What was the consequence for the Reno Gang after their fifth train robbery?

  One robber was arrested and gave up the rest of the gang
• What happened to the Reno Gang members after they were arrested?

  They were hanged by a vigilance committee without a formal trial
• When was the Anti-Pinkerton Act passed?

  1893
• What did the Anti-Pinkerton Act control?

  The government's use of private investigators
• How did the role of the Pinkerton Detective Agency change over time?

  As federal authority increased, their need and use became more controversial
• What were the main factors contributing to lawlessness in the West during the Civil War?

  • Distraction of the U.S. government by the Civil War
  • Presence of trained and traumatized former soldiers
  • Lack of formal law enforcement in remote areas
  • Temptation of the new railroad network for robbers
• What were the roles of the Pinkerton Detective Agency and vigilance committees in law enforcement?

  • Pinkerton Detective Agency:
  • Private investigators hired to solve crimes
  • Operated in areas with little formal law enforcement
  • Vigilance Committees:
  • Groups of ordinary people providing private justice
  • Often executed vigilante justice without trials
• How did the federal government’s approach to crime investigation evolve after the Civil War?

  • Initially relied on private investigators like the Pinkertons
  • Increased federal authority led to the establishment of formal investigative agencies
  • The FBI was founded in 1908, taking over some roles previously held by the Pinkertons