Laura Ingalls Wilder death date: verified facts
Laura Ingalls Wilder died on February 10, 1957. She passed away in Malone, New York, at the age of 90. This verified date resolves the query about her status: she is deceased. The following details clarify circumstances, context, and related biographical items to address common questions and prevent confusion.
Key biographical snapshot
A concise overview anchors factual references and supports clarity around life span, major works, and public knowledge.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full name | Laura Elizabeth Ingalls Wilder | Historical record |
| Date of birth | February 7, 1867 | Primary documents |
| Date of death | February 10, 1957 | Obituary records |
| Age at death | 90 years | Calculated from birth and death dates |
| Place of death | Malone, New York, USA | Local obituary and death records |
| Notable work | Little House series | Published bibliography |
Place and circumstances of death
Wilder died in Malone, New York, where she had lived for many years with her daughter, Rose Wilder Lane. The reported cause was a heart ailment. Confirming the location and proximate cause helps clarify public records and reduces confusion about conflicting reports.
Common confusion points
Because Wilder’s fame persisted long after her death, misinformation occasionally circulates. Typical points of confusion include:
- Status rumors: periodic online claims that she is alive, which are false per all authoritative records.
- Date mix-ups: some sources inadvertently list nearby dates, but the verified death date is February 10, 1957.
- Location uncertainty: although she spent earlier years in the American Midwest and South Dakota, her final residence and place of death were in New York.
Posthumous publications and estate
After her death, new Little House titles appeared, including collections and related historical writings handled by her daughter and publishers. Understanding the timeline of posthumous releases helps contextualize which works were published during her lifetime versus after her passing.
Historical context and legacy
Wilder shaped American children’s literature and historical memory through her carefully written recollections of pioneer life. Her death in 1957 marked the end of the authorial voice behind the original Little House books, though the series continues to influence education, scholarship, popular culture, and ongoing discussions about representation in historical fiction.
Frequently asked questions
- When did Laura Ingalls Wilder die? She died on February 10, 1957.
- How old was she when she died? She was 90 years old at the time of her death.
- Where did she die? She died in Malone, New York, USA.
- Is there any credible debate about her death date? No; obituary, registry, and family records consistently confirm February 10, 1957.
- Are any works credited to her after her death? Yes, related titles and collected editions have been published posthumously under her name and with her estate.