The AMES Companies have played a role in the history of America, from the Revolutionary War through space exploration to the present day. Discover how we’ve helped shape the United States (and maybe learn some things you
never knew!).
Blacksmith Captain John Ames is famed for his “mighty fine” shovel.
AMES shovels contributed to the quest for independence during the American Revolutionary War.
AMES shovels were used to build fortifications for the War of 1812.
AMES shovels broke ground for B&O Railroad, the oldest railroad in the United States.
Prospectors who went west during the Gold Rush brought along AMES shovels, which were so valuable that they were used as currency.
President Lincoln tapped AMES tools to participate in the building of the Union Pacific Railroad.
By the late 19th century, AMES accounted for 60 percent of the world’s shovels, manufacturing 5,000 per day.
AMES shovels were used to build the Statue of Liberty’s pedestal.
American Fork and Hoe Company is a conglomerate of 14 tool companies. In 1949, it was renamed True Temper.
The Panama Canal was built with the help of AMES shovels.
AMES shovels were used to dig the first nine miles of the New York City subway system.
AMES T-handle shovels were used by American soldiers to dig trenches.
Mount Rushmore carvers employed AMES shovels to do their work.
Construction workers on the Empire State Building wielded AMES shovels.
Workers used Jackson wheelbarrows and AMES shovels to build the Hoover Dam.
The Golden Gate Bridge was constructed with the help of AMES tools.
AMES provided the U.S. Armed Forces with 11 million entrenching tools, armor plating and shell casings. AMES was awarded the Army-Navy “E” for Excellence in Production twice.
U.S. soldiers used AMES trenching tools.
U.S. soldiers used AMES trenching tools.
AMES sent 1.6 million entrenching tools and 250,000 folding shovels, which were included in every foot soldier’s kit.
AMES’ lopper took to space aboard the Space Shuttle Discovery.
U.S. Industries acquires True Temper. True Temper, located in Camp Hill, Pennsylvania merges with AMES, located in Parkersburg, West Virginia, to form Ames True Temper.
Global expansion took place with acquisitions in Australia and New Zealand markets as the company's businesses in US, Canada, Ireland, UK and Europe continued growth.
AMES True Temper acquired UnionTools and Razor-Back Professional Tools.
AMES True Temper was purchased by Griffon Corporation.
Southern Patio, a supplier of innovative planters, joined the family.
AMES True Temper was named The AMES Companies, Inc.
Harper came aboard. Harper manufactures hardworking cleaning tools and brushes.
ClosetMaid was acquired by Griffon Corporation and joins more than 21 brands worldwide as part of The AMES Companies.
