Old Fashioned Notions about Marriageable Women
I’ve shared many quotes (with sources) from the Victorian Era shedding light on the attitudes and expectations of men (and women) regarding females most suited (or not) to the institution of marriage.
Mail Order Brides in the 19th Century American West
Fans of Mail-Order Bride Romances adore reading about courageous women who left home, headed west, and risked everything for a brighter future. We admire brave men who sent for a bride with no more courtship than letters could provide. We enjoy the conflict, hurdles, and challenges the characters face before earning their happy ending.
Did any of this stuff happen in real history?
Yes.
Did real life mail-order bride arrangements become love-matches?
Sometimes.
