A Phase II Archaeological Investigation of the Proposed Mountain Park near Young Harris in Towns County, Georgia

Archaeological testing was conducted at eight prehistoric sites within the boundaries of a proposed state park on the northwest outskirts of the town of Young Harris in Towns County, Georgia. Seven of the eight sites were on the floodplain and terraces on the west side of Brasstown Creek. The purpose of the testing was to determine the areal extent of the sites, their subsurface characteristics, their chronological placement, and their significance in terms of inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. YH1 and YH2 are ephemeral sites and are not considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. YH3 proved to have a thin layer of undisturbed Etowah period midden preserved at a depth of about 30 cm. YH3 is considered eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. YH4 is a large, rich site. Primary components are Savannah, Lamar, and historic aboriginal. Testing revealed several large subsurface features and posthole patterns including sections of structural walls. Reports of burials being vandalized at the site are prevalent, and numerous graves can be expected. The site is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. YH5 had the richest midden of all sites tested in the proposed park area. The site dates primarily from the Savannah through Qualla periods. Postmolds were also recorded in one of the two test squares at the site. The site is eligible for inclusion in the National Register. YH6, YH7, YH8, and YH10 were all determined to be part of one areally extensive site which is all now called YH8. YH8 appears to have been occupied sporadically over time with predominant occupations in the Connestee and Etowah periods. A three-meter square test unit revealed a complex pattern of postholes at the site, and most of the eight 1-meter square test pits placed at the site revealed aboriginal postmolds. YH8 is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. A deep test at YH9 ( in addition to another at YH2) suggested there are no deeply buried archaeological deposits in the park area. No unmistakable postmolds were observed, but small amounts of daub were present. The crest and center of the site is a gravelly terrace in which visibility of any potential archaeological features is low. The site was occupied sporadically, primarily in the Etowah period. The site is eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places, but probably at a lower level of significance than the previously mentioned sites. Yh11 is a soapstone outcrop at the base of a ridge on the east side of the creek. This site exhibits possible pictographs and nutting or anvil holes. A 1.5-meter square test pit adjacent to the outcrop uncovered some soapstone fragments that may indicate aboriginal mining of the outcrop. The site is eligible for inclusion in the National Register. Three additional small sites were recorded during the course of the Phase II field work. YH13 is the foundation of an abandoned spring house made of stone and rough timbers immediately east of Hwy. 76 on the south side of Johnson Branch. It is uncertain if the site is eligible for inclusion in the National Register. YH14 is a rock foundation of a small domiciliary structure. Relatively modern debris is present on the site's surface, but a stoneware jug fragment and the general appearance of the foundation suggest an earlier date for initial construction. The site probably represents either a hunting camp or a settler's residence. If the site originated sufficiently early, it is probably eligible for inclusion in the National Register. The last site is YH15, which is, according to local tradition either a "wagoners"' or "gypsies" grave site. Two individuals are reportedly buried in a single grave which is marked by a pine surrounded by rocks. There are also claims by local residents that the site is a family cemetery plot. Although not eligible for inclusion in the National Register, the site will require attention.