MigrationBot: Imported latest exported content; source attribution retained.

2026-08-02T17:41:25Z

Imported latest exported content; source attribution retained.

New page

__NOTOC__

<center>[[#1986|1986]] * [[#1987|1987]] * [[#1988|1988]] * [[#1989|1989]]</center>

===1986===

[[File:FirstThree.jpg|400px|center|The first three characters: Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly.]]

The American Girl line launches with three [[Historical Characters]]--[[Kirsten Larson]], [[Samantha Parkington]], and [[Molly McIntire]]--on May 5th, 1986. Each doll is launched with the first three books in her [[Central Series|series]] and the clothing and accessories that accompany the stories, as well as their pajamas, beds, and [[Storage Trunks and Cabinets|storage trunks]]. The products are only available via mail order, and the dolls have [[White-Bodied Doll|white torsos]]. While each character's collection was unique to the era, there is a overall color palette across the collections with red, white and blue prominent throughout each.

The first catalog is sent out to 500,000 recipients.<ref name="Inc.">"[https://www.inc.com/jelinda-montes/she-wanted-to-teach-kids-history-her-idea-became-a-700-million-business/91376955 She Wanted to Teach Kids History. Her Idea Became a $700 Million Business]", by Jelinda Montes, Inc.Com; published Jul 29, 2026.</ref> Pleasant Company earns $1.7 million in its first year.<ref name="Inc./>.

===1987===

The birthday stories and accompanying collection items for Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly are released. The [[American Girl Benefit Sale]] is created. The [[Dress Like Your Doll]] line is expanded beyond matching nightgowns, allowing a young child to wear outfits similar to the doll's historical clothing.

===1988===

The summer and winter stories and items for Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly are released. The [[American Girl Hospital]] is created for doll repairs.

===1989===

Character-related crafts and patterns are released. American Girl moves its headquarters to Middleton, WI.

==References==
{{refs}}

<center>[[#1986|1986]] * [[#1987|1987]] * [[#1988|1988]] * [[#1989|1989]]</center>
[[Category:American Girl History]]

----
''This page incorporates text from [https://americangirl.fandom.com/wiki/History_1980s the source wiki] ([https://americangirl.fandom.com/index.php?oldid=131058 exported version], [https://americangirl.fandom.com/index.php?title=History+1980s&action=history contributor history]), under [https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0/ the original text license].''

History 1980s - Revision history

MigrationBot: Imported latest exported content; source attribution retained.