Why did miners in the West create groups of vigilantes?

Question

1. to clear forests and prepare for mining
2. to take control of claims from businesses
3. to enforce laws and punish criminals
4. to replace independent contractors

Answer 1

Miners in the West created groups of vigilantes primarily to enforce laws and punish criminals (Option 3). In many mining towns, official law enforcement was weak or nonexistent, leading miners to take matters into their own hands to protect their interests and maintain order in their communities. Vigilante groups often dealt with issues such as theft, disputes over claims, and violence, acting as a form of self-governance in areas where formal legal systems were lacking.