A Brief History of Vigilantism and Law Enforcement in Montana

[Alvarez]

It's time for another History lesson, ladies and gents. Today, I bring to you a bad-ass piece of intelligence on vigilantism and Law Enforcement in the State of Montana. During a time when criminal elements dominated the Territories, a few dedicated citizens rose to become a powerful presence in Montana. They took a number sequence and forever weaved it into Montana's historical fabric. From the Wild West to the skys and highways of modern Montana, the origins of "3-7-77":

In the days before Statehood, the Montana Territory was about as Wild as the West could get. Thanks to the Vigilance Committee, it would only grow wilder...

"3-7-77". A date? A code? Since the vigilantes first posted these numbers in the Montana Territory, their meaning has been debated: Some believe it meant criminals should leave town within 3 days, 7 hours, and 77 seconds. Others think it was borrowed from California's vigilantes, where members 3, 7, and 77 were authorized to carry out executions. The most commonly accepted theory is that they are perfect grave dimensions -- 3 feet, by 7 feet, by 77 inches. Whatever the case, when the Montana Vigilance Committee posted these numbers on a man's quarters, it was understood that he'd better vacate the premises... Or face death by hanging.

During the heart of the American Civil War [1860s], a small band of men were carrying out their own campaign inside the Montana Territory. Frustrated by rampant criminal activity -- and suspicious of law enforcement's involvement with the criminal element -- the first Montana Vigilance Committee rode through the Territory, hanging 21 men, including a County Sheriff. For nearly a decade more, the Committee operated with near immunity. Lynchings of random "undesirables" continued into the 1870s, when order was more or less restored by the Federals.

The Vigilantes were known for brutal justice: Sheriff Henry Plummer was hanged "without the drop", meaning he was dragged up a tree and left to strangle.

With the construction of the railroads came more trouble. By the late 1870s crime was again a growing problem. When an upstanding member of the Helena community was killed and robbed in his own home, a new Vigilance Committee came forth in the Capital city. It is believed this is the first time the numbers "3-7-77" were used to warn others. During the mining boom in nearby Butte, a rise in lynchings and other forms of extrajudicial justice was enough to catch Federal attention again.

As the grip of law and order tightened, and as the Federal government turned its gaze away from the Civil War and towards the West, the old Committees began to disband. However, to this day, the numbers "3-7-77" can be seen on the insignia of Montana Law Enforcement and military personnel. Do the numbers really mean what we think they mean? Don't ask a State Trooper or Guardsman, he won't tell you!

Insignia of the 186 Fighter Squadron

Insignia of the Montana State Police

Edited March 13, 2013 by Alvarez 1st MRB

[Kirkendall 1st MRB]

Huh, I did not know that. Very interesting read Alvarez!

Keep 'em coming!

[Arsenault 1st MRB]

Wow! Really interesting stuff man! I want to go to Montana so bad too! Maybe this summer or next January.

[M. Johnson 1st MRB]

Great read!

[Legend]

Eye like Lurning : )

[Stroops]

Im digging these posts Alvarez

[Teachey]

Quite interesting sir! Make more!!!!

[The Shoveler]

Great justice!

But has he mastered the shadows?

[S. Richards]

Huh, I did not know that.