An Archival Resource Survey for a Proposed Marina Development in Academy Creek, Glynn County, Georgia

This study is an archival resources survey conducted for the Section 106 permitting process. It is designed to elicit data concerning the area to be impacted by the development of a marina and boat storage area by Brunswick Landing Marina Inc. at Academy Creek adjacent to, and possibly over, the site of the southern terminus of the Brunswick-Altamaha Canal, Brunswick, Glynn County, Georgia. This site has previously been determined to be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The study also examines the proximity of the proposed development to the National Register Historic District of Downtown Brunswick to determine the nature of possible effects on this district. The study also seeks to identify any additional sites potentially eligible for the National Register which may be located in the project area. Analysis of the data generated shows that there is considerable confusion as to whether or not the Brunswick Altamaha Canal was ever completed and operated. Credence is given to published reports that state that the southern terminus was never in fact completed. A careful analysis of the archival evidence concerning the history and operation of the canal was therefore considered justified. Consequently, and contrary to reports published since 1902, it is determined that the Brunswick-Altamaha Canal was in fact completed in 1854 and that the canal probably operated for a period of time between that date and 1856 when repairs were made, and probably for an additional period after this date and prior to the advent of the Civil War in 1860. The data also indicates that, while the degraded remains of the southern lock may remain in situ, the upper section of the canal profile has been disturbed by erosion and development. The depth at which the lock floor was laid below mean high water level also indicates that it will not be impacted by the proposed construction of a boat storage facility in this area. The data also indicates that little evidence of historic port activity can be shown for Academy Creek, due to the presence of a bar creating a seven foot depth at low tide at the entrance to Academy Creek. This bar was present until approximately 1976 when the creek was channelized by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District. This entrance depth would have limited use of the creek to passage of small craft and light draft coasting schooners. The east bank of the creek may have been used as an extended tow path for canal vessels other than steamships. It was not an area used for wharves and docking of large vessels until the late 19th century since much deeper anchorages were available off the waterfront of Brunswick facing the East River. The creek was used by ocean going lumber ships in the late 19th, early 20th century following the construction of wharves on a former salt marsh which was filled sometime between 1888 and 1893. Oral information presented as part of this study indicates that modern industrial activity has extensively altered the fill area. Similar oral reports indicate that the creek bed has also been extensively altered by dredging, silting, deposition of modern garbage and the slumping of the channel edges. Observed submerged historic material adjacent to the east bank of the creek is limited to ballast rock. This is believed to be associated with the late 19th century lumber trade. It is also determined that the National Register Historic District of Brunswick is to the southeast of the proposed development area. It is within sight of the development only at one point, the corner of Newcastle and G Street. It is determined that this proximity creates no adverse visual or audible effect on the District. Business interests and local historic societies concur that there is no adverse effect and that the improved economic climate expected to result from the proposed development will in fact spur further preservation and restoration within the District. Based on the indications of the archival record, a conditional finding of no adverse effect is given. Conditions recommended include limitations upon the depth of foundations or sub-surface testing in the event of future development of the southern lock site, and monitoring of pile driving and dredging activity with a qualified archaeologist on-call for work on the east bank of the creek. As a result of these findings, it is determined that the proposed development area, other than the southern lock terminus, does not contain any sites potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The study also indicates that much additional information about the canal and its dates of operation could be developed by an archaeological investigation of the north terminus of the canal on the Altamaha River. This area is not associated with the planned development and no requirement is placed on the developer. Such a study is recommended for support by local or state cultural resource management authorities as part of their overall management responsibilities.