What is a Melungeon?

Question

This woman told me that I ws one. But I identifiy as Black, even though I also am of Cheeroke/Cree, Brtish, French, Creole.

I look more African/Native American

I was onece mistaken to be south asian a couple of times

Answer 1

I have quite a bit of Melungeon in me also. They were basically the slaves that the Spanish brought over with them while searching for the New World. They escaped from the Spanish and made a new life in North Floridia and up into Appalachia. The Native Americans did not perceve them as a threat as they were not white. They adopted the way of the Indians and were frequently mistaken for Native Americans. They also interbred with the Native tribes.

Two things I have been told is that there is a double ridge on the base of the skull. I have that, it is right above my neck, on the back in the center. I can feel the hollow where my skull meets my neck and then feeling up I can feel two distinct bumps on the back of my skull. Also, the back of my front teeth have a small ridge on them. When I run a fingernail down the back of my teeth I can feel a 'click'. That is another inherited trait.

When you get into the DNA of people, most American blacks have about 15% to 20% European blood in them. There has been a lot of cross-breeding through the centuries. Most American blacks can trace their African heritage to four areas on the coast of Africa. That is where most of the slaves came from. A lot of slaves also came through the carribian, and there is some DNA to prove it.

We are pretty much ALL mutts now. That is the great thing about the Great American Melting Pot. We have some unique heritage but we are all Americans.

There are places (look to geneology websites) that can do a DNA test to tell you what your genetic make up is. It is pretty accurate, I've done it.

We may be related. Have a good day.
(pardon any misspellings, the spellcheck is not working right now)

Answer 2

Basically a tri racial mix

Thought to be African, Portugese, Native American.

There is a DNA test that can be done on the male lineage to be sure but ridges on the backs of your front teeth, a bump at the back of your skull and other physical traits exist. They come from the region of Eastern Tennessee. Certain family names are also common among them.

Untill about 1900 they were considered "colored" in some southern states even tho a lot, like me, look totally Anglo.

Answer 3

And you're all American, honey!

To heck with what that woman said!

Just for your general knowledge though, here's the official version - "The Origin of the Melungeons in East Tennessee has long appeared to be a mystery to many scholars. Despite many different theories that have been advanced to explain their origin, it is very clear that they originated from runaway slaves, native American Indians, and runaway white European Indentured Servants. The runaways came from the English colonies of North and South Carolina. That is why that when they first appeared in the historical writing, they had English names and spoke the English language."

But don't let that worry your [pretty lil head one lil bit! Lift up your head and say with all your pride "I'm an AMERICAN!"!!!!

Answer 4

My ancestors were Tri-Racial Isolates, who resided throughout Virginia. Some of them are now referred to as Melungeons. They are located in the Appalachian Mountains in the region of Virginia and Tennessee. My ancestors were Native/white/African (and my line is now African American), and some also resided in the Blue Ridge Mountains which cross into Pennsylvania. I just recently heard the word Melungeon, but I believe it is a reference to the mixed raced folks who sought refuge in the Mountains.

Answer 5

My mom is into genealogy and is currently tracing my owm melungeon ancestry. It is a word used to describe a group of people who were of black/indian/and european descent. There is an abundance of information on the net and elsewhere, however no two researchers seem to agree on one answer. It was used to identify those people who weren't white but weren't any other defininable race either. Mostly to control voting and marriage's etc...

Answer 6

A close family member of my aunt wrote a book about it.
"The Melungeon's of Tennessee", by James R. Aswell.

Answer 7

Basically it means "tri-racial"

I found an excellent site for you to answer your question. It's actually quite informative. I really hope that this helps you.

http://www.geocities.com/mikenassau/what.htm