The Origin of the Fugate Family

In 1820, a French orphan named Martin Fugate settled in Hazard, Kentucky, where he married Elizabeth Smith. Family lore suggests that Martin exhibited a striking indigo skin tone, a curious phenomenon that both he and Elizabeth unknowingly carried—a recessive gene linked to the rare genetic disorder causing blue skin. While Martin’s skin was blue, Elizabeth’s was of a typical white hue.

Among their seven children, four inherited their father’s blue complexion. The Fugate children faced social isolation, as neighboring communities were apprehensive about associating with them. Fearful of producing blue-skinned offspring, many avoided forming marital ties with the Fugate family.

This social ostracism led some Fugate descendants to marry within their bloodline, perpetuating the blue skin trait. Conversely, others relocated and married outside the family, further spreading the gene responsible for this striking condition.

Despite the absence of any physical health issues, the blue hue often brought psychological distress. Members of the Fugate family lived into their eighties and nineties but endured stigma and embarrassment because of their unique appearance. Over time, they learned to embrace their skin color as a part of their identity.

The Scientific Investigation

In the late 1950s, the mysterious case of the blue-skinned Fugates drew the attention of scientists. Madison Cawein, a young hematologist, embarked on a quest to find the family with hopes of discovering a cure. After much effort, he finally met some descendants, including Patrick and Rachel Ritchie, who were hesitant but willing to share their experiences.

Through blood tests, Cawein discovered that while their hemoglobin levels were normal, the siblings lacked an enzyme necessary for proper oxygenation of their blood. He developed a treatment known as "Methylene Blue," which he administered to Patrick and Rachel. For the first time, the siblings watched their skin transform from blue to a healthy pink hue. Cawein described their reaction: “For the first time in their lives, they were pink. They were delighted.”

However, the effects were fleeting, necessitating daily doses for the siblings to maintain their new skin color when in public.

The Last Known Blue Fugate

Benjamin Stacy, born in 1975, is recognized as the last known member of the Fugate family with the methemoglobinemia gene. His birth caused considerable alarm among medical staff due to his deep blue, almost purple, skin. Upon learning of his lineage, doctors chose to monitor him closely rather than proceed with a blood transfusion.

As he matured, Benjamin’s skin gradually shifted to a rosy pink shade, though he would occasionally exhibit blue coloring in response to cold or emotional stress. The Fugate family continues to be a topic of intrigue, though many remain unaware that Methemoglobinemia was the underlying cause of their blue appearance. Nowadays, instances of this rare disorder are less common as the family’s genetic diversity has increased.

The video titled "The Strange History of the Blue Fugates" delves into the remarkable story of this unique family, exploring the genetic factors and social implications of their condition.

Additionally, the podcast "The Blue People of Kentucky" offers insights and discussions surrounding the cultural significance and historical context of the Fugate family's legacy.

References

• Fugates of Kentucky: Skin Bluer than Lake Louise
• The Fugate Family Of Kentucky Has Had Blue Skin For Centuries - Here's Why
• Why the Fugate Family Has Blue Skin
• Blue People of Kentucky: Why the Fugate Family Had Blue Skin