SPY

American Revolutionary War

America's First Spy was Nathan Hale (June 6, 1755 – September 22, 1776).  He was an American school teacher who volunteered to spy for the Continental Army during the American Revolutionary War.   In September 1776, General Washington was desperate to determine the location of the imminent British invasion of Manhattan Island. To that end, Washington needed a spy behind enemy lines, and Hale was the only volunteer. He was captured during his first mission in New York City by the British and executed. His famous quote:  "I only regret that I have but one life to lose for my country."  

American Civil War

 Allan J. Pinkerton (25 August 1819 – 1 July 1884) When the American Civil War began, Pinkerton, an already famous detective, served as head of the Union Intelligence Service during the first two years. Pinkerton and his agents often worked undercover as Confederate soldiers and sympathizers to gather military intelligence. Pinkerton, while working undercover as a confederate soldier in the summer of 1861, was identified and hunted by the Confederates in Memphis and barely escaped with his life. After the war, his lifelong work led to the creation of the Federal Secret Service,  which protects the leaders of the United States and safeguards the financial and critical infrastructure of the United States.  He is often remembered as the creator of the famous Pinkerton National Detective Agency, which is depicted in dozens of movies and video games.