3-7-77

3–7–77 was the infamous symbol of vigilante justice in Montana during the old west. People who had the mysterious set of numbers '3–7–77' painted on their tent or cabin knew that they had better leave the area or be on the receiving end of vigalante justice. To this day the numbers appear on the shoulder patch of the Montana Highway Patrol, who say they do not know the original meaning of the vigalante symbol. Various theories have been put forth about the origin of this symbol, among them:

• The most common interpretation is that it meant that the criminal had 3 hours 7 minutes and 77 seconds to leave town.

• The sum of the number 3+7+7+7 total 24, representing the criminal had 24 hours to leave town.

• That is was borrowed from California or Colorado vigalance organizations where member number #3 and #77 were authorized to carry out executions.

• Recently it has been suggested that the numbers have Masonic origins.

• It has also been suggested they represent the dimensions of a grave, 3 feet by 7 feet by 77 inches.