Archeological Investigations at Banks Lake Dam Site, Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lakeland, Georgia

In February, 1992, archeologists from the National Park Service, Southeast Archeological Center, Tallahassee, Florida, under a Memorandum of Agreement between the National Park Service, Interagency Archeological Services Division, Southeast Region and the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service, conducted an archeological survey, with subsurface testing, of approximately four acres at the Banks Lake National Wildlife Refuge, Lanier County, Lakeland, Georgia. Subsurface testing revealed prehistoric and historic materials dating from Late Deptford-Early Swift Creek culture period (ca.2300-1800 BP) to the present. Recovery of prehistoric pottery and lithics (some in association) to a depth of one meter indicates a long term occupation and a high potential for undisturbed and intact cultural deposits. The recovery of historic materials, the remnants of an 1830 grist mill dam, and-documentary and informant information make Banks Lake a potentially important multi-component site in Lanier County. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service proposes to improve the parking facilities, and to build handicap access for fishing and boating, restroom facilities, and an information kiosk. At Present, a boat ramp, observation deck, and unimproved parking facilities occupy the area. The area proposed for new development contains the heaviest concentration of prehistoric materials. Some of the "in situ" deposits are close to the surface and, therefore, may not be protected, even if the present surface is covered with fill prior to construction.