How old was Almanzo Wilder when he married Laura Ingalls?
When Almanzo Wilder married Laura Ingalls on August 25, 1885, he was 28 years old, while Laura was just 18. The ten-year age difference between them was not unusual for the time period, especially on the American frontier, where practical considerations often influenced courtship and marriage more than age alone.
Their wedding took place in De Smet, Dakota Territory (now South Dakota), in a quiet ceremony attended only by close family. Laura wore a black cashmere dress she had sewn herself, and the couple began married life in a modest home Almanzo had built just outside of town.
Almanzo James Wilder was born on February 13, 1857
Laura Elizabeth Ingalls was born on February 7, 1867
At the time of their marriage in August 1885:
Almanzo was 28 years old
Laura had just turned 18 that February
While a 10-year age gap may raise eyebrows today—especially with the bride being so young—it was quite common during the 19th century, particularly in rural and pioneer communities.
Why Did People Marry Young (and Older) in the 1800s?
In the late 1800s, especially on the frontier, marriage often came early for women, and men were frequently older due to:
Longer periods of establishing a homestead or career before settling down
Survival and practicality: a partner meant more help on the farm and in the home
Cultural and religious expectations encouraging early marriage
A smaller pool of eligible partners in sparsely populated areas
In fact, Laura’s own parents, Charles and Caroline Ingalls, also had an age gap: Charles was several years older than Caroline when they married.
Laura and Almanzo’s Relationship
Despite the age difference, Laura and Almanzo shared a respectful, supportive partnership. Their courtship is chronicled in These Happy Golden Years, one of the final books in the Little House series. Almanzo—whom Laura affectionately called “Manly”—courted her by driving her to and from her teaching job at country schools, and their quiet bond grew over time.
Their early married life was marked by hardship and tragedy:
A devastating bout of diphtheria left Almanzo partially disabled
They lost their infant son
Their house burned down
Multiple crop failures and financial struggles plagued them
Yet through it all, their relationship endured, and they eventually found stability and peace at Rocky Ridge Farm in Mansfield, Missouri, where they lived for the rest of their lives.
