The headquarters for American Girl dolls is located in Middleton, Wisconsin. Founder Pleasant Rowland created the American Girl brand in 1985 as a way to educate and entertain girls with quality books, dolls, and toys that combine learning with fun while emphasizing important traditional values. The dolls have clothing and accessories that are consistent with their own historical story, as well as books written about each doll's adventures. Rowland sold the Pleasant Company in 1998 to Mattel, but the company continues to operate as an independent subsidiary out of its main headquarters in Middleton, Wisconsin!