06/17/2026
Devon cattle were brought to Jamestown in 1623 and were essential for settlers’ survival. For many years, nearly every family owned at least one cow.
Cattle in the New World had to endure harsh weather, rough forage and wild predators and fulfill multiple roles, providing milk, meat, hides, tallow and labor by pulling plows and wagons. Resilience and the ability to adapt to these challenges were valuable traits.
As more immigrants arrived, various multipurpose breeds from the Netherlands, England, Sweden, France and other regions were introduced to the New World. By the late 1600s, selective breeding led to the development of a multi-purpose, line-backed patterned cattle breed, now known as the Randall Lineback, which became common across New England.
