Plymouth Rock

"The Plymouth Rock was developed in New England in the middle of the 19th century and was first exhibited as a breed in 1869. The breed became popular very rapidly, and in fact, until World War II, no breed was ever kept and bred as extensively in the United States as the Barred Plymouth Rock. Its popularity came from its qualities as an outstanding farm chicken: hardiness, docility, broodiness, and excellent production of both eggs and meat."