Surprising Number of People Linked to Early US Colonists, DNA Study Finds

Researchers used ancient DNA from 49 burials in St. Mary’s City and 23andMe data from 11.5 million users to trace the origins and migration of early Maryland colonists.

The study linked more than 1.3 million living people to colonial settlers and reconstructed family connections across generations.

Genetic analysis helped identify three 17th-century remains, including colonial governor Thomas Greene and his family.

The findings show how consumer DNA databases can reveal migration history, identify unknown burials, and connect modern families to early America.