Podcast Summary: "Who Did What Now - Episode 152: Kate Warne - America's First Female Detective"

Released on July 16, 2025, "Who Did What Now" is a captivating history podcast hosted by Katie Charlwood. In Episode 152, Charlwood delves into the intriguing life of Kate Warne, America's pioneering female detective, uncovering her remarkable contributions to law enforcement and her pivotal role in significant historical events.

Introduction to Kate Warne

Katie Charlwood opens the episode by expressing her long-standing interest in Kate Warne, a figure notorious for her enigmatic presence in American history. Despite being listed in Charlwood's initial research notebook, Warne remains shrouded in mystery due to scant historical records.

“Kate Warne was a woman from history who has such little written about her. Most of it's fiction, and it's one of those things where it would make a really, really good TV show or movie because you can just flesh it out any way you want.”
[02:30]

Early Life and Joining the Pinkerton Agency

Warne was born circa 1833 in Erinchemung County, New York, to a poor family. Following the early death of her husband, Warne sought employment to support herself, leading her to the Pinkerton National Detective Agency in Chicago in 1856.

“Kate Warne steps into the Pinkerton's national detective agency... she saunters up to the desk of Alan Pinkerton himself and inquires about a job.”
[05:10]

Alan Pinkerton, initially skeptical about hiring a female detective, was impressed by Warne's intelligence and determination, ultimately welcoming her into the agency.

“Women would be most useful in worming out secrets in many places, which would be impossible for a male detective.”
[08:45]

The Adams Express Case

One of Warne's first notable cases involved the theft of substantial sums of money from the Adams Express Company. Pinkerton suspected internal corruption but lacked concrete evidence until Warne's astute investigation uncovered critical details.

“Nathan Maroney, he's like, someone's trying to get to my wife... and so they arrange a sting operation.”
[15:20]

Warne's strategic undercover work led to the arrest and conviction of the office manager, Nathan Maroney, restoring trust in the Adams Express and highlighting Warne's prowess in detective work.

“So, yeah, this whole situation was so intense for Kate Warne that she was like, never gonna be a fortune teller again.”
[28:50]

Mastery of Disguise and Undercover Operations

Warne's expertise in disguise became legendary. She often assumed roles such as fortune tellers to gather intelligence, leveraging societal norms and biases to extract information unnoticed.

“Kate Warne was renowned for being a master of disguise, like Count Olaf, except better at actual disguises.”
[35:15]

One of her significant undercover missions involved preventing an assassination plot against President Abraham Lincoln. By infiltrating Southern society, Warne gathered essential intelligence that thwarted the plans of secessionists aiming to disrupt Lincoln's inauguration.

“Kate Warren was involved... she was part of the reason that the Emancipation Proclamation went through.”
[60:45]

Preventing Lincoln's Assassination

The episode details Warne's critical role in ensuring Lincoln's safe passage through Baltimore. By securing a strategic position aboard Lincoln's train and maintaining constant vigilance, Warne and the Pinkerton agents successfully prevented the assassination.

“The sleeper carriage is unwound from the train, hooked onto a horse and cart, and driven through the streets and then attached to the other train.”
[75:10]

This operation not only safeguarded Lincoln but also solidified the Pinkerton Agency's reputation for excellence and unwavering commitment.

“Kate Warne and Alan Pinkerton's collaboration became legendary... she ends up gaining so much respect that she ends up bringing on and becoming in charge of all of these other lady detectives.”
[80:30]

Legacy and Untimely Death

Despite her significant contributions, Warne's life was tragically cut short. She passed away from pneumonia on January 28, 1868, at the young age of 35, leaving behind a legacy that would inspire future generations of women in law enforcement.

“Kate Warren is a woman who we should know so much more about, but like with many women in history, we just don't.”
[95:00]

Her burial in the Pinkerton family plot underscores the deep respect and friendship she garnered throughout her career.

Conclusion

Katie Charlwood concludes the episode by reflecting on Warne's enduring impact on American history and the field of detective work. Warne's story is a testament to her bravery, intelligence, and pioneering spirit, making her a foundational figure in the annals of law enforcement.

“Kate Warne, a woman whose beginning was shrouded in mystery and spent most of her life solving them.”
[100:15]

Charlwood encourages listeners to acknowledge and celebrate Warne's contributions, advocating for a more inclusive recounting of historical narratives.

“If you liked my telling of this story, feel free to rate and review. 5 stars.”
[105:50]

Notable Quotes:

• “Women would be most useful in worming out secrets in many places, which would be impossible for a male detective.”
  — Katie Charlwood, [08:45]

• “Kate Warne was renowned for being a master of disguise, like Count Olaf, except better at actual disguises.”
  — Katie Charlwood, [35:15]

• “Kate Warne and Alan Pinkerton's collaboration became legendary... she ends up gaining so much respect that she ends up bringing on and becoming in charge of all of these other lady detectives.”
  — Katie Charlwood, [80:30]

Resources & References:

Charlwood cites various sources, including historical documents from the Philadelphia Press, the Library of Congress, and reputable history websites like history.com and thesmithsonian.com, ensuring a well-researched and credible recounting of Kate Warne's life and achievements.

“Our sources are... The Detective and the Somnibullist the Murderer and the Fortune Teller by Alan Pinkerton.”
[04:15]

Final Thoughts:

Episode 152 of "Who Did What Now" offers an engaging and thorough exploration of Kate Warne's life, highlighting her indispensable role in shaping American detective work. Charlwood's narrative not only brings Warne's story to life but also underscores the importance of recognizing and honoring the contributions of women in history.

For more episodes and historical deep-dives, subscribe to "Who Did What Now" on your preferred podcast platform.