America's first purebred cattle.
1623
Devon cattle reached what is now the United States in 1623, when the ship Charity brought a consignment of red cattle consisting of one bull and three heifers from Devonshire, England to Edward Winslow, the agent for Plymouth Colony. These red cattle, brought in by the Pilgrims, are widely considered to be the first purebred cattle to arrive in North America.
The Pilgrims, and later the colonists, valued Red Devons for their powerful draft labor, rich milk, and high-quality meat. This includes George Washington, who favored Red Devon cattle as the primary “triple-purpose” breed for his extensive farming operations at Mount Vernon. Their stamina and other outstanding traits then made Red Devon oxen the primary muscle behind early American expansion.
Today, historic Mount Vernon and Colonial Williamsburg, along with many dedicated breeders, continue to preserve and promote heritage Red Devons, while an increasing number of farmers, ranchers, and homesteaders are discovering the value of this amazing breed.
- Temperament
- Calm, docile, friendly, and intelligent
- Hardiness
- Thrive on high-forage diets across diverse regions and in wet conditions and harsh climates, from freezing winters to intense summer heat and humidity
- Health
- Strong general health with long, productive lifespans
- Reproduction
- High calving rates, calving ease, and strong maternal instincts
- Size
- Cows 1,000–1,400 lbs · Bulls 1,600–2,400 lbs · Calves 65–100 lbs at birth
- On grass
- Outstanding performance under tough conditions; a great choice for grass-fed and forage-alone operations
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