On behalf of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources’ Historic Preservation Division, New South Associates, Inc. conducted a Phase I Archaeological Survey of a 1.06-acre parcel located at 306B McAlpin Drive in Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. Situated on the northern bank of the Moon River on Burnside Island, the property is known as the Mercer Cottage and was the former childhood summer home of famous songwriter and music executive Johnny Mercer. Twenty shovel tests spaced at 15-meter intervals were excavated on the property, resulting in the identification of archaeological site 9CH1510 that covers the entire parcel. This site yielded an artifact assemblage that reflects a precontact Late Archaic component and a historic component that dates from circa 1750 through the twentieth century. The site has significant data potential for providing additional information that can increase our understanding of these time periods, yet additional data is needed in order to determine the eligibility of the site for listing on the National Register of Historic Places.
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