How far back can you trace your family history?

[Tippiechick]

I have been able to go really far back on both of my sides.

I have found both sides to be First Families of VA. I have Rev. War, Civil War, War of 1812 vets in the family. I have also traced back to England, Italy, Ireland, Scotland, France all to at least the 1500s. I have found ties to the Tudors of England, Taliaferros of Italy, Campbells of Ireland and Scotland, and French royal ties linking to Catherine de Valois.

The strangest thing I have found is that way back when (we're talking early settling of Tennessee), I have tied my husband's family to mine. I have also tied my maternal and paternal lines to each other. It seems MANY of the families intermarried.

We still are having trouble on my paternal side, though. It seems NO one wants to talk about being Melungeon or having Native American roots, although I find it awesome.

There's a Melungeon thread on here somewhere. Seems like Carny's family is Melungeon, too. I carry a lot of the typical traits.