3-7-77 is a symbol originally used by the Montana Vigilantes, a 19th century vigilance committee in Virginia City, Montana, United States.
When the numbers "3-7-77" were painted on a tent or cabin, it was a warning that the occupants could face vigilantism if they did not leave the area. In 1917, union organizer Frank Little was lynched, and a note pinned to his body read, "Others take notice, first and last warning, 3-7-77." [1]
The numbers are used on the shoulder patch of the Montana Highway Patrol. The Association of Montana Troopers website says the patch:
Is emblematic of the first organized law enforcement in Montana. The Montana Highway Patrol, in adopting this early symbol, honors the first men in the Montana Territory who organized for the safety and welfare of the people. [2]
The symbol appears on the flight suits of pilots of the Montana Air National Guard, [3] and the flight patch of the Montana Army National Guard Medevac unit 1189th GSAB – Vigilantes.[ citation needed]
The symbol is the logo of Big Sky Brewing Company of Missoula, Montana. [3]
Some floats in the Vigilante Day Parade in Helena, Montana, display the numbers 3-7-77. [3]
Theories regarding the origin and meaning of the symbol include:
3-7-77 is a symbol originally used by the Montana Vigilantes, a 19th century vigilance committee in Virginia City, Montana, United States.
When the numbers "3-7-77" were painted on a tent or cabin, it was a warning that the occupants could face vigilantism if they did not leave the area. In 1917, union organizer Frank Little was lynched, and a note pinned to his body read, "Others take notice, first and last warning, 3-7-77." [1]
The numbers are used on the shoulder patch of the Montana Highway Patrol. The Association of Montana Troopers website says the patch:
Is emblematic of the first organized law enforcement in Montana. The Montana Highway Patrol, in adopting this early symbol, honors the first men in the Montana Territory who organized for the safety and welfare of the people. [2]
The symbol appears on the flight suits of pilots of the Montana Air National Guard, [3] and the flight patch of the Montana Army National Guard Medevac unit 1189th GSAB – Vigilantes.[ citation needed]
The symbol is the logo of Big Sky Brewing Company of Missoula, Montana. [3]
Some floats in the Vigilante Day Parade in Helena, Montana, display the numbers 3-7-77. [3]
Theories regarding the origin and meaning of the symbol include: