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CRM: Wadley-Wallace Dam 500kv Electric Transmission Line Corridor GP-HK-08: Data Recovery

Report Number
1223
Year of Publication
1986
County
Abstract

Data recovery excavations at GP-HK-08 were designed to gather data suitable for reaching a more complete understanding of the Lamar period occupation at this upland property. The large artifact sample from the A-horizon deposit and from features indicated that the primary Lamar occupations of the property occurred during the early Dyar (A.D. 1425-1500) and Bell (A.D. 1600-1700) phases. Floral and faunal data, along with the diversity of artifacts present, also indicated that the Lamar occupations at GP-HK-08 were largely permanent and occurred through most, if not all, of the year. European contact, probably during the Bell phase, was evidenced by glass trade items and introduced cultigens. Evidence of cottage industry shell bead production, particularly for the early Dyar phase, was present. In the final analysis, this work demonstrates that relatively permanent and self-sufficient "homestead" sites were established in the upland zone of the upper Oconee River basin during the Lamar period.