3-7-77 facts for kids
The numbers 3-7-77 are a special symbol from the history of Montana, a state in the western United States. This symbol was first used by a group called the Montana Vigilantes in the 1800s. These Vigilantes were a group of citizens who took on the role of law enforcement in places like Virginia City, Montana, when there wasn't much official law around.
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What Does 3-7-77 Mean?
The symbol 3-7-77 was a serious warning. If these numbers were painted on a tent or a cabin, it meant the people living there needed to leave the area right away. If they didn't, they could face trouble from the Vigilantes.
Historic Warnings
In the past, when the numbers "3-7-77" appeared, it was a clear message. It warned people that they might be punished by the Vigilantes if they stayed. For example, in 1917, a person named Frank Little, who helped organize workers, was killed by a group of people. A note was found on his body that said, "Others take notice, first and last warning, 3-7-77." This showed the symbol was still used as a threat.
Where You See 3-7-77 Today
Even though the Vigilantes are part of history, the 3-7-77 symbol is still used in Montana today. It reminds people of the state's early days and its history of keeping order.
- Montana Highway Patrol: The symbol is on the shoulder patch of the Montana Highway Patrol officers. Their website says this symbol shows that they are like the first organized law enforcement in Montana. It honors the early people who worked to keep people safe.
- Military Units: Pilots in the Montana Air National Guard have the symbol on their flight suits. It's also on the flight patch of the Montana Army National Guard Medevac unit, which is called the "Vigilantes."
- Local Businesses: The symbol is the logo for the Big Sky Brewing Company in Missoula, Montana.
- Parades: You can sometimes see the numbers 3-7-77 on floats in the Vigilante Day Parade in Helena, Montana.
What Are the Theories About Its Origin?
No one is completely sure where the 3-7-77 symbol came from or what each number originally meant. There are a few ideas:
- The Oath Date Theory: Some people think the numbers stand for the date March 7, 1877. They believe this was when the Vigilante Oath was signed in Bannack, Montana. Bannack was the first capital of Montana. There's a supposed oath with this date hanging in a Masonic Lodge in Bannack. However, historical records don't fully support this idea.
- Grave Dimensions Theory: Another idea is that the numbers represent the size of a grave. It could mean 3 feet wide, 7 feet long, and 77 inches deep. This would be a very scary warning!
- Travel Ticket Theory: A writer named Frederick Allen suggested a different meaning. He thought it meant someone had to buy a $3 ticket for the next 7:00 a.m. stagecoach. This stagecoach would take them on a 77-mile trip from Helena to Butte.
Historians have looked into these theories. While the symbol is old, it didn't appear in print until the 19th century. The idea about the Masonic Lodge in Bannack being founded on March 7, 1877, isn't quite right either. The Masons in Bannack actually started much earlier, in 1863, and their lodge was officially recognized in 1871. So, the exact origin of 3-7-77 remains a bit of a mystery!
