Why did miners in the West create groups of vigilantes?

Question

to clear forests and prepare for mining
to clear forests and prepare for mining

to take control of claims from businesses
to take control of claims from businesses

to enforce laws and punish criminals
to enforce laws and punish criminals

to replace independent contractors

Answer 1

Miners in the West created groups of vigilantes primarily to enforce laws and punish criminals. During the early days of mining booms, formal law enforcement was often inadequate or nonexistent, leading miners to take matters into their own hands to maintain order and protect their claims from theft and other crimes. Vigilante groups sought to establish some semblance of law and justice in the lawless frontier areas.