Over the past 250 years, AMES has been embedded in American history, bringing expertise and adding value to many landmark projects and efforts, for example: 1775-1783, During the Revolutionary War, patriots dig in with AMES shovels 1848-1855, AMES shovels used during the California Gold Rush 1862-1869, President Lincoln selects Oakes Ames to take charge of the construction of the Union Pacific Railroad, which ultimately unites America 1903-1914, AMES shovels used to dig the Panama Canal 1929-1937, AMES tool ...