Historical Characters

The Historical Characters, for the purposes of this wiki, refers to the flagship American Girls doll collection. Previously known as The American Girls Collection, they have since been officially renamed Historical Characters, just as American Girl of Today became Just Like You. These dolls were originally the center of the American Girl company and includes the first dolls released by the company.

History
The Historical Collection, and Pleasant Company itself, launched in 1986 with the release of Kirsten, Samantha, and Molly. At the time, the dolls were only released with small collections consisting of the dolls, meet accessories, school clothing and accessories, holiday clothing and dolls, and the first three books of the Central Series. No furniture was released until later on.

In Fall 1991, Felicity was added to the collection along with her first three books. This prompted a radical change in the design of the dolls, as previously, the dolls had white muslin bodies. Due to the low neckline of colonial outfits, this led to all future dolls to have bodies that were much closer to the doll's given skin tone. Her last three books and accessories came out in spring 1992.

In Fall 1993, Addy was was added to the collection along with her first three books. Her last three books and accessories came out in spring 1994.

In Fall 1997, Josefina was added to the collection along with her first three books. Her last three books and accessories came out in spring 1998. This was the last doll fully released by Pleasant Company.

In Fall 2000, Kit was was added to the collection along with her first three books. Her last three books and accessories came out in spring 2001.

In Fall 2002, Kaya was was added to the collection along with all her books and several accessories.

In Fall 2007, Julie was released with all her books, her school and Christmas collections, and her winter collection. She was also released with her companion doll, Ivy Ling. Her birthday and summer sets were released in Spring 2008.

Characters

 * Kaya'aton'my, representing Native America pre-European settlement
 * 'Felicity Merriman, representing Colonial America at the dawn of the Revolutionary War
 * Josefina Montoya, representing Southwest America during Mexican rule
 * Kirsten Larson, representing mid-century settlement of the American west by pioneers
 * Addy Walker, representing the Civil War era
 * Samantha Parkington, representing turn-of-the-century America
 * Kit Kittredge, representing the Great Depression era
 * Molly McIntire, representing World War II
 * Julie Albright, representing the Seventies