Mysterious Melungeons

A dark complected group living in the mountains of Tennessee, Kentucky, Virginia, North Carolina, and South Carolina have long been a subject of speculation. They've been living in the mountains so long, no one knows their origin, but they're noticeably different from their neighbors. They appear to be European or a mix and were living in the mountains when the first settlers got there from the East.

Rumors have abounded for years. Among speculation is that they were originally from the lost tribes of Israel, the Lost Colonists from England via North Carolina, Portuguese, Phoenicians, Egyptians, Gypsies, Black Dutch, Black Irish, Italian, Spanish, Cuban, Native American or African mix, etc. There have been all sorts of studies. One fairly modern genetic study says they

were originally couples of African males and white females and later mixed with some Cherokee. However, most of the studies are more speculative than conclusive, and they often contradict each other, at least to some extent.

Another interesting piece is some of the famous people mentioned as likely being Melungeon. Abraham Lincoln is one, supposedly mainly from his mother's side. His dark complexion, coarse black hair, and gray eyes certainly fit Melungeon characteristics. 

Elvis Presley is said to have branched off from a part of Lincoln's family, and he too has the characteristics

with olive skin, black hair, and blue eyes. His great, great, great grandmother was a Cherokee from Tennessee, which also fits into the Melungeon mix. Other famous people mentioned include Cher, Tom Hanks, Ava Gardner, Bill Monroe (of bluegrass fame), Heather Locklear, and Steve Martin.

We may never know the origins of the Melungeons for certain, but I find it an interesting subject. I wonder if there's a novel lurking in here somewhere. That's an intriguing possibility.

________________________________________