How Old Were Eliza And Hamilton When They Got Married

So, I was strolling through the Hamilton exhibit at the Museum of the American Revolution the other day, and I found myself standing in front of this beautiful portrait of Eliza Hamilton. You know, Alexander's wife, the one who inspired the song "That Would Be Enough" in the musical. I couldn't help but wonder, how old were these two lovebirds when they tied the knot?

Now, I know what you're thinking, "Why does it matter, History Lady? They're historical figures, not my high school friends!" Well, bear with me. Age can tell us a lot about the societal norms of their time, and let's face it, it's just plain interesting.

Eliza: The Younger Half

Eliza Schuyler, the daughter of a prominent New York politician, was just a teenager when she met Alexander Hamilton. She was born on August 9, 1757, in Albany, New York. So, when they got married on December 14, 1780, Eliza was a mere 23 years and 4 months old. Nowadays, that might not raise an eyebrow, but remember, this was the late 18th century. Eliza was considered quite young to be getting married.

In fact, it was rather unusual for women of her social standing to marry so young. Most waited until their late twenties or even early thirties. But Eliza was different. She fell in love with a charming, ambitious, and incredibly handsome (if I may say so) war hero. Who could blame her?

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Alexander: The Older, Wiser Half

Alexander Hamilton, on the other hand, was a bit older. He was born on January 11, 1755 or 1757 (the exact year is debated), on the island of Nevis in the Caribbean. So, when they got married, Alexander was around 25 or 27 years old. Now, that might not seem like a big age gap today, but back then, it was considered quite significant.

Alexander had already lived a lifetime of adventure by the time he met Eliza. He'd fought in the American Revolution, studied law, and even worked as a clerk in the Continental Congress. He was a man of the world, and Eliza, well, she was just a girl from Albany. But love, as they say, is a funny thing.

The Birth to Death of Elizabeth Hamilton timeline | Timetoast timelines

Love Knows No Age

Despite the age difference and the whirlwind romance, their marriage lasted for over 50 years, until Alexander's untimely death in 1804. They had eight children together, and Eliza dedicated the rest of her life to preserving her husband's legacy. So, maybe age really doesn't matter when it comes to love. Or maybe it's just one of those things we romanticize in hindsight.

Anyway, next time you're singing along to "Helpless" or "That Would Be Enough," remember Eliza and Alexander. They were just a young woman and a not-so-young man, crazy in love and ready to take on the world together. And that, my friends, is a story that never gets old.