Birthplace of vigilante justice
When John White of the pikes peakers was panning for gold in what is known as grasshopper creek on july 28, 1862. Little did John know at the time but that would be the birth of Bannack, Montana.
Virginia City 80 miles east of Bannack was where gold would be transported by stage coach to it's destination in Bannack.
To curb the lawlessness Henry Plummer was elected sheriff in the spring of 1863 not known to the residents Plummer was the leader of the outlaw group "The Innocents".
During the middle of the night the cryptic message would be left on known outlaws doors reading 3-7-77 referencing grave measurments. 3 feet wide, 7 feet long, 77 inches deep.
On January 10, 1864 Henry Plummer and his two deputies were led to the gallows where they were lynched.
On every Montana Highway Patrol officers shoulder patch you will find 3-7-77 in recognition to the birthplace of vigilante justice.
Author: Mike Eslick
