Archaeological Resources Survey and Evaluation of the Proposed Eisenhower Parkway Extension, Bibb County, Georgia

An archaeological resources survey was conducted on 4.23 miles of proposed new location highway corridor for the Eisenhower Parkway Extension, Bibb County, Georgia. The proposed corridor crosses the Ocmulgee River floodplain south of Macon, Georgia and is 200 feet in width. The work was conducted under the direction of the Georgia Department of Transportation, in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Survey methods consisted of background research and field investigations. Archival records indicated that a number of significant prehistoric archaeological sites were located in the general vicinity of the project corridor. Sites reported within or near the proposed corridor include the Napier type site (9Bi9); the New Pond Site (9Bi32); Gledhill No.1 (9Bil7); Gledhill No. 2 (9Bil8); and Gledhill No. 3 (9Bi27). Survey conditions across a large portion of the proposed corridor restricted the potential for recovery of archaeological materials. The corridor to the west of the Ocmulgee River has been severely impacted by industrial development. Corridor survey in this area encountered areas of potentially hazardous domestic and industrial waste. Wetland areas were encountered within the eastern Ocmulgee River floodplain. Prior to construction of Interstate Highway 16, these areas may have been better drained and more easily accessible. Archaeological resources survey resulted in the discovery and evaluation of a single prehistoric site, 9Bi52. Results of surface and subsurface (i.e., 30 meter and 10 meter interval shovel tests, excavation of a 1 by 1 meter test unit) investigations indicate the presence of a primary Late Woodland (Napier Complex) component in relatively undisturbed context at 9BiS2. This site is recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Mitigative measures, consisting of either avoidance or data recovery excavations, are recommended to reduce or eliminate adverse impact of the proposed highway construction on this site. Archaeological survey also resulted in the recording of three isolated finds within a recent city dump site. The dump is relatively recent (post 1940) and was found to contain hazardous wastes. The isolated finds were not evaluated for eligibility to the NRHP and no additional investigations are recommended in this area.