The Hereford breed of cattle originated in the county of Herefordshire, England, and was brought to the United States in the early 19th century by settlers from England and Scotland. The first Herefords were imported in 1817 by Henry Clay, a prominent Kentucky politician, and statesman, who purchased several head of cattle from the English breeder Benjamin Tomkins. These cattle were used to improve the quality of the local cattle in Kentucky and were soon distributed to other parts of the country. Herefords quickly became popular in the United States due to their hardiness, adaptability, and ability to thrive in a variety of climates. They were particularly well-suited to the vast grasslands of the Midwest and quickly became the dominant breed of cattle in the region. Today, Herefords are still a popular breed in the United States and are raised for both beef and dairy production.