History of the Montana Vigilantes
The Montana Vigilantes were a group of citizens who took the law into their own hands in the 1860s to combat rampant crime and lawlessness in what is now Montana. Their actions played a significant role in shaping early justice in the region, though their methods were controversial.
Background: Lawlessness in the Gold Rush Era
During the early 1860s, gold strikes in present-day Montana—particularly in Bannack, Virginia City, and Helena—attracted thousands of miners, traders, and fortune seekers. However, territorial government and law enforcement were either nonexistent or ineffective. With no established courts or law enforcement, crime flourished, particularly under a group of outlaws known as “The Innocents.” This gang, led by Henry Plummer, the sheriff of Bannack, was responsible for widespread stagecoach robberies, murders, and theft.
Formation of the Montana Vigilantes (1863–1864)
Frustrated by the escalating crime and the apparent corruption of Sheriff Plummer, leading citizens secretly organized the Montana Vigilantes in December 1863. Their goal was to restore order through swift and decisive justice. The Vigilantes marked targets with the mysterious symbol “3-7-77,” a cryptic warning still associated with Montana law enforcement today.
Key Actions of the Vigilantes
- The Hanging of Henry Plummer (January 10, 1864): After investigating Plummer, the Vigilantes executed him along with two of his deputies.
- Other Hangings: Over the next several months, the group executed around 20-25 suspected outlaws, often with little to no formal trials.
- Spreading Fear and Control: The Vigilantes’ swift actions intimidated criminals, and by mid-1864, crime in the region significantly decreased.
Controversy and Legacy
While many settlers saw the Vigilantes as heroes restoring law and order, others viewed them as extrajudicial executioners who bypassed due process. As Montana became more organized with formal courts and law enforcement, the Vigilantes’ influence faded. However, their legacy persists:
- “3-7-77” is still seen on Montana Highway Patrol cars.
- Their story remains a subject of debate—were they brave pioneers of frontier justice or ruthless executioners?