What was the main purpose of Vigilante Committees in the mining communities?

The main purpose of Vigilante Committees in mining communities was to maintain law and order. During the 19th century, especially in rapidly growing areas such as those in New Mexico, these communities often faced a lack of established legal systems. As a result, vigilante groups were formed by local residents who took it upon themselves to enforce their own version of law and justice. They addressed issues such as theft, fraud, and violent crime, often operating outside of the formal legal framework as a way to protect their communities and ensure safety.

This phenomenon arose largely from the frustrations of miners and settlers who felt that local government was either ineffective or absent. Vigilantes would investigate crimes, apprehend suspects, and even administer punishment, which sometimes led to controversial and violent outcomes. The existence of these committees reflects the challenges and complexities of governance in frontier societies where traditional law enforcement was lacking.

The other choices suggest functions that were not central to the role of vigilante committees. For instance, assisting with mining activities doesn't directly relate to their primary function of law enforcement. Promoting marriages and providing legal representation were not typical duties of these committees and did not align with the urgent need for self-governance and security that vigilantes aimed to address.