Archaeological Survey and Site Testing of the Proposed Police Headquarters Complex Columbus, Georgia

An archeological survey of the 9th Street Block project area was conducted during a two week period in the months of February and March 1994. The one-block project area is the proposed site of a new Police Headquarter building and parking deck. The survey was conducted in two phases. The first, a reconnaissance survey, consisted of a thorough walk-over of the block, photographic documentation of historic structures, mapping of surface structures and shovel testing of high probability areas. The second phase, an intensive survey, consisted of additional shovel tests, systematic coring or probing to identify subsoil-intruding features, and test pit excavation. A total of six test pits measuring 1 x 1 and 1 x 2 m were excavated. Various excavation techniques provided clear evidence that subsurface features and stratified cultural deposits (sheet middens) were preserved. These cultural deposits date from the mid-nineteenth century through the late twentieth century. As a result of the archeological survey it is now apparent that only a portion of the 9th Street Block contains well preserved cultural deposits. These areas correspond to lots containing early nineteenth century structures (primarily domestic structures). Cultural deposits in substantial portions of the block have been adversely affected by mid to late twentieth century commercial development which has resulted in grading and paving of old house or business lots. Historical research provides a framework for interpretation of the archeological data. Artifacts and cultural features are associated with the development of the city block, beginning with the original town layout and earliest domestic structures, which date to the 1840s. The block was at first moderately affluent on the 5th Avenue side and less affluent on the 6th Avenue side, which faced the East Commons. For much of the latter nineteenth century and early twentieth centuries, the block was predominantly white on the 5th Avenue side, and black on the 6th Avenue side. Two important black institutions, the YMCA and St. Christopher's Normal and Industrial School, were located on the block and formed a focal point for the black community in the early to mid twentieth century. The block became increasingly commercialized after 1950. The 9th Street project area has been designated archeological site 9ME117. It is the conclusion of the Principal Investigator that the site meets the criteria for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places because it contains intact features and deposits relating to the early residential development of Columbus, an aspect of history that is poorly documented in both historical and archeological records. The proposed project will adversely affect the site unless certain measures are taken. It is the recommendation of the Principal Investigator that potential adverse effects be mitigated by conducting a program of data recovery. The data recovery program would focus on features and sheet midden in three areas of the block, behind the houses at 930 and 934 5th Avenue, behind St. Christopher's School, and at the Tillery lot (which faces 6th Avenue).