Part 5/12:

Over time, cultural blending occurred as the Mangans incorporated elements of European, African, and Native American heritages into a distinctive Appalachian identity. Folklore and oral traditions elaborated on their origins, suggesting connections to shipwrecked Portuguese explorers or remnants of the fabled Lost Colony of Roanoke. Such narratives provided a sense of pride and an identity that emphasized European ties, allowing families to navigate the complexities of racial classification while claiming a more privileged status in a deeply segregated society.