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Century Farms and Ranches Web Exhibit
Kow Kamp Ranch
A Wagyu cow and calf at the Kow Kamp Ranch. (Davenport Family photo)
About the Kow Kamp Ranch
Established by Dr. Benjamin and Sarah Davenport in 1851
Location: Marion County
Current Owners: Ann D. Vasconi and John H. Davenport III
History
Dr. Benjamin and Sarah Davenport came from Ohio to Oregon in 1851 and took out a donation land claim seven miles from present-day Silverton in the Waldo Hills. Davenport brought a good medical library over the Oregon Trail and practiced medicine until his death in 1857, but he still made time to begin to turn his claim into a productive farm. His son, Benjamin Jr., transformed the farm into one of the most attractive in Marion County. Over the years he raised cattle, Shropshire sheep, horses, pigs, and poultry; grew grain and hay; and maintained an orchard.
Today
All but 20 acres of the original 320 acres remain in the family. The primary crop is grass seed. Wagyu cattle and Registered Border Cheviot sheep are also raised.