The Melungeons

melungeons.com blog

Wednesday, April 20, 2005

The National Melungeon Registry, Wise Co. VA Historical Society

"The National Melungeon Registry

Who Are the Melungeons?

Like the mists that envelop the mountains, the Melungeons are a people whose ancestry has been shrouded in mystery. However, through the efforts of Brent Kennedy and others, the veil of secrecy surrounding these proud people is being lifted and their unique heritage is being revealed.

The Melungeons are most likely the descendants of late 16th century Turks and Portuguese stranded on the Carolina shores when Sir France Drake liberated some 200 young Turks on the North Carolina coast when the settlement of Santa Elena, South Carolina was abandoned by the Spanish. They later intermarried with the Powhatan, Pamunkey, Chickahominy, and Catawba Indians. These two groups probably combined later, settled in the Appalachians and with further intermarriage with the Cherokees, and much later with the northern European settlers; primarily the Scotch-Irish, becoming part of the American Melting Pot. The word Melungeon is both Portuguese, and Turkish, meaning 'cursed soul.' Today, Melungeon descendants can be found among all racial and ethnic groups. Abraham Lincoln and Elvis Presley have probable Melungeon heritage through their maternal lines. "

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