Part 1/12:
The Mangan Migration: A Journey Through Resilience and Identity in Appalachia
The story of the Mangan family's migration to the Appalachian Mountains is a testament to resilience in the face of systemic discrimination. Rooted in the tumultuous history of colonial Virginia and the Carolinas during the 17th and early 18th centuries, the Mangans’ journey reflects a struggle against harsh racial classifications and societal restrictions based on mixed ancestry. Often labeled as free people of color, they faced legal barriers that severely limited their social and economic opportunities, prompting many to seek refuge in the remote valleys of Appalachia.