“What we were really building was ‘a girl company,’ and anything that was good for girls was ours to give them.”
-Pleasant Rowland, founder of American Girl
Championing girlhood
In 1986, Pleasant Rowland had a vision: create a company for and about girls, a company that shared their stories throughout history. She thought this should be done not not only through words on a page, but also through play and experiences. And so began American Girl, a collection of stories, characters, and dolls that connected generations of girls.
Groundbreaking idea
When American Girl launched in 1986, it introduced something trailblazing: historical dolls paired with rich stories that helped girls learn about the past through relatable characters and exciting accessories. Samantha Parkington™, Kirsten Larson™, and Molly McIntire™ were the first to bring history to life, sharing experiences at different points in time.
Each of the American Girl characters represent what Pleasant thought of as a “small-s” story about one girl growing up in one particular time and place, living one particular life. Together, all these stories form a real “Story,” with a capital S, that tells more broadly what it means to be a girl in America.
As interest grew, so did the historical character lineup. Each character’s story helped cement American Girl as the leader in meaningful, educational play—setting the brand apart and building a community that continues to thrive today.
Fan favorites
Over the past 40 years, certain American Girl dolls have risen to legendary status among fans. These characters didn’t just shape the brand—they became cultural icons whose stories, accessories, and signature styles still spark joy and nostalgia today.
When American Girl launched in 1986 with Samantha Parkington™, Kirsten Larson™, and Molly McIntire™, these three instantly set the tone for everything the brand would stand for: thoughtful storytelling, meaningful history, and characters filled with heart.
For many of our early fans, one of these dolls was their first—and often their most cherished—American Girl doll. Their books, outfits, and accessories remain some of the most collected pieces in the brand’s history.
As the brand expanded, new heroines quickly became fan favorites, each offering a story that resonated deeply. Whether a girl has a powerful story of courage like Addy or a quiet confidence like Josefina, American Girl helps her realize the most empowering truth of all: She is the hero of her own story.
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Truly Me™
While not composed of individual characters like our historical line, Truly Me™ remains one of the most beloved aspects of American Girl. Fans across generations treasure the moment they found the doll that expressed their style and personality. Originally known as American Girl of Today, the line consists of a variety of skin tones and hair colors, allowing girls to find the doll that reflects who they are right now.
Girl of the Year™
The Girl of the Year line debuted in 2001 with Lindsey Bergman. She introduced fans to a brand-new kind of American Girl doll—one rooted in contemporary life with today’s challenges. As the collection grew, more characters joined Lindsey in shaping what would become one of the brand’s most beloved lines.
The Girl of the Year 2026 doll, Raquel Reyes, is extra special because she has a family connection to one of our original characters, Samantha Parkington. This makes her the first to connect to past historical character storytelling through the present day.
Bitty Baby®
Introduced in the early 1990s, Bitty Baby started as way to help children adjust to new siblings. These dolls offered a gentle, nurturing play experience that stood apart from typical baby dolls of the era. Bitty Baby is many children’s first American Girl experience—the doll that sparks a lifelong love of the brand.
Accentuating the accessories
Just like the characters and their stories, American Girl’s furniture and accessory pieces are high quality. In the beginning it was Addy’s wooden trunk, which included reproductions of Civil War-era publications. Another example is Samantha’s Elegant Doll Pram, inspired by era-appropriate catalogues. These accessories spotlight the research that went into development. These well-crafted, premium pieces prove that anything that is good for girls is worth giving thoughtfully.
American Girl accessories and playsets continue to elevate imaginative play. Some fan-favorite bestsellers girls today love include:
These sets showcase how American Girl continues to design thoughtfully and encourage girls to dream, create, and explore.
Looking forward
Every girl mattered to Pleasant. She believed passionately that every girl has the power within her to make a difference and change the world. As we celebrate 40 years of American Girl, we honor the dolls and stories that shaped millions of childhoods. From historical characters to Truly Me, from Bitty Baby to Girl of the Year, American Girl remains a trusted companion in helping girls discover who they are—and who they can become. Here’s to the next chapter.
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Frequently asked questions
Why has American Girl been important for generations of girls?
American Girl has given girls a way to explore identity and imagination. Our characters and stories offer experiences that feel meaningful and relatable across generations.
How has American Girl evolved over the past 40 years?
American Girl has grown alongside its audience, introducing new characters and collections that reflect the times while honoring the brand’s original mission.
What makes American Girl dolls unique?
Each doll is carefully designed with quality and care, so they can be cherished and enjoyed for many years. Their stories are written with careful consideration as well, providing an in-depth view of a girl’s life in different times.
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