The Rhode Island Red was developed not by fanciers but by poultry farmers around Little Compton RI, beginning in the 1830s. The poultrymen sought to produce outstanding egg production in a bird big and stout enough to eat. They bred their own “common” farm stock to birds imported from Asia and the Mediterranean, including Cochins, Brahmas, Red Malay Gamecocks, and Brown Leghorns.

The Rhode Island Red became one of the most successful and widespread of farm breeds. It was exported to England and other countries, and spread around the world. It is the state bird of Rhode Island.