WAS IT COMMON IN THE 1800's FOR TEENAGE GIRLS TO MARRY?

Since 1890, the U.S. Census has collected "Average Age at First Marriage" information for both men and women.  By studying demographic information known to correlate with "Average Age at First Marriage" since 1890, social scientist's can "look back" in time" and estimate "Average Age at First Marriage" historically. The graph below is a compilation of  U.S. Census "Average Age at First Marriage" data since 1890 as well as social research that estimates "Average Age at First Marriage" prior to 1890.

  

 
In 1840, the "Average Age at First Marriage" for women is estimated to be between 21 and 22 years of age.  In 1950, the "Average Age at First Marriage" dipped to about 20 years of age.  By 2005, the "Average Age at First Marriage" had risen to about 25 years of age.

Sources:

U.S. Census Bureau, Table MS-2, "Estimated Age at First Marriage, by Sex: 1890 to the Present"

Smith, D.S. - 1993.  "American Family and Demographic Patterns and the Northwest European Model", Continuity and Change 8(December):389-415
  

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