Polled Hereford Breed Origin Site, historic site near Indianola, Iowa, USA
The Polled Hereford Breed Origin Site is a historic farm in Warren County, Iowa, where the first planned breeding of hornless Herefords took place in 1902. The location features open fields and simple structures, marked by a commemorative plaque that documents the beginning of this cattle breeding line.
Warren Gammon, a lawyer from Des Moines, began systematic breeding of hornless Herefords on a leased farm in 1902 after seeing them at an exposition in 1893. With his son Bert, he used four bulls and ten cows to establish a breeding line that spread across the United States and eventually became more common than horned cattle.
The site reflects local farming heritage and how breeders worked to develop a practical cattle breed suited to their needs. Visitors can connect with the ingenuity of early farmers who shaped livestock practices across the region through their selective breeding efforts.
The site is located in rural countryside southwest of Indianola and is easily accessible, though it offers limited amenities such as restrooms or parking areas. Visitors should plan ahead and wear comfortable shoes, as the site is explored on foot through open fields.
The first planned breeding took place on February 21, 1902, near a windmill where a bull named Gaint was tied for breeding with a hornless cow. This single event marked the turning point in cattle breeding history and led to a breed that would soon dominate American farms.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
