3-7-77

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3-7-77 was the infamous symbol of the Vigilance Committee 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 vigilante 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 symbol. It also appears on the flight suits of pilots of the Montana Air National Guard. Various theories have been put forth about its origin, 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 vigilance 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.