John Palmer Parker (rancher)

John Palmer Parker (1790-1868), also known as John Palmer Parker I, was an American sailor who became a prominent rancher and businessman in Hawaii. He is credited with introducing cattle ranching to the islands in a significant way, founding the Parker Ranch, one of the oldest and largest cattle ranches in the United States.

Born in Newton, Massachusetts, Parker arrived in Hawaii in 1809 as a young man aboard the vessel "Tartar". He initially worked as a sailor and interpreter. Recognizing the potential for cattle ranching after observing the damage feral cattle were causing to native agriculture, Parker gained permission from King Kamehameha I to hunt the wild cattle. He became skilled at using firearms to control the burgeoning cattle population.

In 1815, Kamehameha I granted Parker land near Waimea on the Big Island as a reward for his services and expertise. This land became the foundation of the Parker Ranch. Parker married Rachel Kealoha, a Hawaiian aliʻi (chiefess), further solidifying his position within Hawaiian society and expanding his land holdings.

Parker imported horses and improved breeds of cattle, gradually transforming the landscape and economy of the region. He developed innovative ranching techniques and built a thriving business. The Parker Ranch grew to encompass vast tracts of land and became a major influence on Hawaiian culture and economic development.

John Palmer Parker's descendants continued to manage and expand the Parker Ranch for generations, ensuring its legacy as a cornerstone of Hawaiian ranching history. His contribution to the development of the beef industry in Hawaii is widely recognized.