The Shorthorn breed of cattle originated on the northeastern coast of England in the countries of Northumberland, Durham, York and Lincoln. The first real development of the breed occurred in the valley of the Tees River about 1600. The large framed cattle that inhabited this fertile valley became known as Teeswater cattle.
The breed later spread to Scotland and then to America in 1783. When first brought to Virginia, the cattle were called Durham. It was the first improved breed to be imported here and the qualities that the animal possessed made it in great demand. Shorthorn's influence spread rapidly across America.
Shorthorns were popular with America's early settlers. They valued this breed for meat and milk and found Shorthorns a willing power for the wagon and plow as well. The breed followed pioneer wagons across the Great Plains and into the far west. By 1854, mid-western farmers had begun direct importations from Scotland, concentrating their efforts on Shorthorns strictly for beef production.
Even in its early history, the breed was recognized for its ability to adapt. It could be easily bred with the Spanish breed, Longhorns, brought in earlier by conquistadors. These early animals fit neatly in the time period to meet demand and needs during the early development of the beef cattle industry.