A Phase II Archaeological and Historical Investigations at Springfield Plantation and a Civil War Earthwork at the North End of Skidaway Island State Park

Topographic mapping, metal detector testing, and a test pit were employed in a Phase II archaeological investigation of an approximately 2.5 acre tract of land proposed for exchange at the north end of Skiddy Island State Park. The archaeological fieldwork was conducted in conjunction with historical research on the project area. The research established that the project location once constituted portion of Springfield Plantation (WOC1657) which originated circa 1749 and which fell into disuse during the Civil War Period. A generally linear alignment of shell, brick, and tabby heaps probably represents a series of structures associated with the plantation, perhaps a slave row and either an overseer's house or plantation house. The densest such concentrations are located to the south and west of the exchange tract. A series of Civil War earthworks (WOCltil4) is also located primarily to the west of the exchange tract. Topographic mapping of these earthworks was conducted to help clarify the relationship between these earthworks and a road and/or earthwork (WGC1659) that crosses the exchange tract. along its eastern edge. Although the current project was not able to fully determine the historical significance of this road and/or earthwork, it is suggested that it was originally a part of a saltwater intrusion barrier constructed for either indigo or rice production in the marsh lying to the east of the project area. During the Civil War period, the alignment of this existing earthwork was expanded, modified, and incorporated into the main body of earthworks. However, the portion of the road/earthwork within the exchange tract was peripheral to the main body of fortification. Twentieth century mosquito control ditching modified the road/earthwork, complicating its interpretation. The Civil War earthworks (WGC1614) and Springfield Plantation (WGC1657) are considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. Potential adverse impacts to these two sites should be avoided or mitigated through data recovery. The road / earthwork (WGC 1659) remains to be fully explained. Nevertheless, its association with either the plantation or the Civil War fortifications or both suggests that it is alto eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. As a consequence, adverse impacts to this feature should also be avoided or mitigated through data recovery.