March 17th 1905

Franklin Delano & Eleanor Roosevelt

Today in Wedding History marks the anniversary of FDR’s marriage to his bride Eleanor. Their historic romance began in 1902 when Eleanor was just 17 years old. She had been volunteering as a social worker and soon met Franklin, then a 20 year old Harvard student. The two began a courtship that would continue until their marriage in 1905. Because Eleanor’s uncle was then President of the United States (Theodore Roosevelt) their wedding garnered national attention with the media.

Little did this young couple know that one day they would run the White House longer than any other President in history. Franklin held position of President for three terms, from 1933-1945 and Eleanor would have a very important role in his Presidency. Due to FDR being bound to a wheelchair Eleanor was an active part of her husbands campaigns, traveling throughout the country representing him.

The two were married until Franklin passed away in 1945, but they carry their legacy on through family and the influence their relationship had on America during times of need, especially during WWII. Some would say their love was one for the history books!