Unexplained Mysteries Discussion Forums > Mystery of the Melungeons

"For more than 200 hundred years the mysterious origins of the Melungeons has mystified many who were searching for facts. Recent research compiled by the Melungeon Research Committee (MRS) reveals the most probable theory thus far.N. Brent Kennedy is the founder of the MRC, and author of 'The Melungeons, The Resurrection of a Proud People.'Kennedy's search for his heritage led to the conception of MRC in 1992 and the in-depth research performed internationally by the MRC team. Many members of this team, including Kennedy, are Melungeon.Hancock County Historian Dr. Scott Collins is a member of MRC.Kennedy consulted frequently with Collins when writing his book.According to information obtained from Collins, the research committee has discovered that Melungeons most likely descend from 16th century settlers, Portuguese and Spanish, who were abandoned or cutoff when the English overran the Santa Elena Colony, presently known as Beaufort, S.C., in 1587.The MRC believes these settlers came to the coast of South Carolina in 1567 under the leadership of a Spanish captain, Juan Pardo. The settlers consisted of approximately 250 soldiers, their wives and children. 'Several forts were built around the borders of South Carolina and Georgia, and one near Chattanooga,' Collins' information states. The settlers lived in and around these forts 20 years, 'until the English arrived and ran them out of the area.'In addition, the research committee has reason to believe several hundred Turks and other Muslim sailors were put off ships at Roanoke Island, N.C. in 1586 by Sir Frances Drake.'The evidence indicates that both (groups of settlers) intermarried with Native Americans, primarily Cherokees, Creeks, Catawba and Pamunkey,' the information states, 'and "