Sarge, Thank you for the reference. I also have heard the "Black Germans" were from the Black Forest area of Germany; but I think the site definition quoted below is pretty close to the mark: "Black Dutch is a term with several different meanings in United States dialect and slang. It generally refers to racial, ethnic, or cultural roots. Its meaning has varied in different parts of the nation and at different times.Black Dutch is a term with several different meanings in United States dialect and slang. It generally refers to racial, ethnic, or cultural roots. Its meaning has varied in different parts of the nation and at different times." As far as the term "Melungeon" is concerned, I believe it is a name that has covered many areas, especially in the deep south, that were wrapped up in racial conflicts that covered a whole range of ethnic and cultural backgrounds that did not fit into the general German-English-Irish settlers background. The Cherokee nation of Georgia, Alabama were brillant people, not only creating an alphabet for their language; but trying to blend into the culture by dressing and conducting business as all the other settlers, some owning property and business which were lost during the great march to the west. Many of those stayed behind and tried not to be a part of that march in various ways and many suceeded in many different ways. Chocy