As we gear up for fireworks and flag cakes this Fourth of July, we’ve got a story that’s pure Americana — heavy-duty style. It involves 30 pallets of freight a day, rolling across Liberty Island on green Hamilton trailers that have been in action since before disco was a thing. That’s right. Some of our Hamilton trailers have been loyally serving at the foot of the Statue of Liberty for over half a century — and they’re still going strong. Red, white and built to last.
The backstory
Evelyn Hill Inc., the family-run company that’s been operating concessions at the Statue of Liberty for 94 years relies on 23 of our Hamilton trailers—affectionately dubbed by the customer as their “green wagons”—to transport freight from dock to destination. Every day, pallets of food and gift shop goods arrive by boat. And every day, those trusty trailers get to work, hauling the load across the island without a single complaint to help serve wide-eyed, star-spangled visitors.
According to Evelyn Hill President Brad Hill, they move nearly a million gift shop items a year — and probably just as many snacks. That’s a lot of keychains, soft pretzels, and logistical muscle behind the scenes.
Still hauling after all these years
The Hamilton “wagons,” originally purchased around 50 years ago (Brad’s best guess, as the wagons existed when he started at the company in 1981), are still fully functional today. Why? Because they were built to last. “The wagons we purchased last forever,” said Hill. “We’ve only ever had to replace the casters now and then over the years—and ordering from Hamilton has always been easy and fast.”
The casters in rotation include a combination of our Standard Duty and Heavy Service lines — a fitting mix for an operation that never stops moving, even in the shadow of Lady Liberty.
From our shop to the statue
As a proud American-made and family-owned manufacturer, we’re honored to have our products in service at one of the most iconic symbols of American freedom. It’s not every day your work ends up on a UNESCO World Heritage Site—and keeps working for generations. So this Independence Day, as you marvel at the rockets’ red glare, spare a thought for the unsung green wagons doing their quiet, rolling duty for liberty and lunch.
And Brad—thanks for the kind words. As he put it: “I get a lot of spam. But I enjoy reading your newsletter.” We’re delighted to add a little all-American torque to your inbox.
Happy Fourth from all of us at Hamilton. Long live heavy-duty.