A group of people of unknown ethnic origin lived in the hills of Virginia, North Carolina, Tennessee and Kentucky. They were already there when the first settlers arrived, and later described as Melungeons. Dark skin was one of their characteristics. One purpose of the 1790 census was to "segrate" certain people denying them the right to own property or vote. The Melungeons were among these people. Census records often show them as "mul" (Mulatto) or FPC (free people of color).