about us

When Pleasant Rowland founded American Girl in 1986, she believed stories with inspiring characters could help girls see their own potential. She was right. For decades, we’ve been a trusted partner in nurturing confidence, character, and curiosity in girls everywhere. Inspired by a trip to Colonial Williamsburg, Pleasant combined her passion for American history with a commitment to quality and education. She started with The American Girls Collection—books and dolls that brought history to life—and expanded into toys, stories, and experiences designed to teach important values through play. Her vision grew to include immersive retail stores, beginning in Chicago in 1998, where families could step into the world of American Girl. Today, we’re still helping girls imagine, learn, and grow—one story, one doll, and one adventure at a time.