Archaeological Resources Survey and Evaluation of the Proposed Thomson Bypass Corridor, McDuffie County, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted archaeological resource survey and evaluation of the proposed Thomson Bypass corridor in McDuffie County, Georgia. Project goals included location and evaluation of all archaeological resources which might be impacted by proposed construction activities, and recommendations for avoidance or other mitigation options. Historical and archaeological research consisted of examination of relevant archival resources and field survey. Field survey involved pedestrian coverage of the entire length of the project corridor, approximately 10.0 miles. Screened shovel testing and visual inspection of exposed ground surface were the primary methods used to locate and evaluate archaeological resources. These investigations resulted in the identification and evaluation of nine archaeological sites and three isolated finds. Eight of these sites (9MF1-50, 9MF151, 9MF152, 9MF153, 9MF154, 9MF156, 9MF157, and 9MF158) are not considered significant and are recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Previous agricultural land use practices, highway construction, and erosional processes have severely impacted these sites, leaving them with little or no potential to address local or regional research. No additional cultural resource investigations are required at these sites or at the isolated finds. Site 9MF155 is considered significant and is recommended eligible for the NRHP based on Criterion D of the Criteria for Evaluation of properties. Despite a lack of culturally diagnostic artifacts, the assemblage of recovered prehistoric materials and discovery of an intact prehistoric subsurface feature during survey and evaluation indicate potential to contribute to local and regional prehistoric research. If avoidance of 9MF155 is not a viable alternative, then preservation in place or data recovery is recommended. Based on the findings of this cultural resources survey, and pending avoidance/mitigation at 9MF155, it is recommended that the proposed Thomson Bypass corridor be given archaeological resources clearance to proceed.