ABOUT AMES
AMES is the leading manufacturer of hand-powered landscaping tools in the world and one of the oldest consumer brands in the United States.
From its founding in a blacksmith shop in 1774, AMES has grown into a global family of brands marketed through major retailers in the U.S., Canada and Australasia.
Today we continue to build on the AMES legacy of manufacturing quality tools for big tasks, whether that means creating a backyard oasis for family and friends or laying the foundation for a skyscraper. Through quality craftsmanship and inspired innovation, we have established leading positions across numerous product categories.
AMES® HISTORY
1774 JOHN AMES BEGINS MAKING TOOLS
1774
JOHN AMES BEGINS MAKING TOOLS
One man, with hand-selected wood, forged steel, and a sturdy determination to make things the right way. At his West Bridgewater Massachusetts forge, Captain John Ames smiths America’s first metal shovels and eliminates the need for British imports.
1803 LAND PURCHASE IN EASTON, MA
1803
LAND PURCHASE IN EASTON, MA
Oliver Ames, youngest son of Capt. John Ames, purchases a forge, nailmaking shop, house and several pieces of land in Easton, Massachusetts for $1,600.
1810 TRIP HAMMER PATENT SIGNED BY PRESIDENT MADISON
1810
PRESIDENT MADISON SIGNS
TRIP HAMMER PATENT
Original trip hammer design patent issued on April 25, 1810 and signed by President James Madison.
1817 FIRST BACK-STRAPPED SHOVELS
1817
THE FIRST BACK-STRAPPED SHOVELS
Oliver Ames manufactures the first back-strapped shovels, later modified for easy transport by soldiers in wartime.
1824 WOOD HANDLE SHOVEL MANUFACTURED
1824
WOOD HANDLE SHOVEL MANUFACTURED
The first wood handle shovel was manufactured in 1824 by AMES.
1837 AMES SHOVELS BREAKGROUND FOR B&O RAILROAD
1837
AMES SHOVELS BREAKGROUND FOR
B&O RAILROAD
President Abraham Lincoln personally asks Oakes Ames, son of Oliver Ames, to supply shovels for the Union cause during the Civil War. By the time the war between the states ends and the Resurrection Period begins, pent-up demand for shovels and other civilian needs creates a tremendous boom.
1840 AMES SHOVELS INSTRUMENTAL THROUGHOUT OREGON TRAIL
1840
AMES SHOVELS INSTRUMENTAL
THROUGHOUT OREGON TRAIL
Settlers, primarily from the Ohio Valley region and Missouri, battle the elements to migrate West. The main route is the Oregon Trail, leading to the Oregon Territory. The trail begins at Independence, Missouri and ends at Oregon City and the Willamette Valley. The average wagon train endures about six months of confrontations with mountains, rivers, prairie land and desert to reach its destination. AMES shovels are instrumental in the settlers’ efforts to challenge mother nature and to stake their claims in the new territory.
1861 LINCOLN ASKS FOR AMES SHOVELS FOR CIVIL WAR
1861
LINCOLN ASKS FOR AMES
SHOVELS DURING CIVIL WAR
President Abraham Lincoln personally asks Oakes Ames, son of Oliver Ames, to supply shovels for the Union cause during the Civil War. By the time the war between the states ends and the Resurrection Period begins, pent-up demand for shovels and other civilian needs creates a tremendous boom.
1868 OAK AMES TAKES CHARGE OF UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
1868
OAK AMES TAKES CHARGE OF UNION PACIFIC RAILROAD
At the request of President Lincoln, crews use AMES shovels to lay rails across the country until the final Gold Spike. The Ames brothers save the project from failure with emergency financing and later serve as the railroad’s presidents.
1903 AMES SHOVELS USED IN DIGGING THE PANAMA CANAL
1903-1914
AMES SHOVELS USED IN DIGGING THE PANAMA CANAL
The shorter, faster and safer route that connects the Atlantic and Pacific Oceans improves economies of U.S. West Coast and nations around the Pacific Ocean.
1914 AMES SHOVELS USED BY SOLDIERS IN WWI
1914-1918
AMES SHOVELS USED BY SOLDIERS IN WWI
In World War I, soldiers survive rapid machine gun fire and hide from advancing troops in 8-foot deep trenches dug with AMES T-Handle Shovels.
1927 AMES TOOLS USED IN CARVING MOUNT RUSHMORE
