Archaeological Resources Survey and Evaluation of the Proposed SR 1/US27 Widening and Reconstruction, Stewart and Chattahoochee Counties, Georgia

A cultural resources survey of the proposed widening and reconstruction of State Route (SR) 1/US 27 was conducted 20 July to 24 July 1992, for the Georgia Department of Transportation. The project area followed alongside US 27 and is comprised of a survey corridor measuring 175 feet (approximately 50 m) wide and increasing to 200 feet (approximately 60 m) wide at major junctions. Total project length is 19.75 miles. The survey corridor crosses US 27 several times, avoiding cemeteries and by-passing the town of Louvale and the city of Lumpkin. The survey identified nine prehistoric archaeological sites and three isolated finds of cultural material. Site 9CE31, a previously recorded site, is a surface and subsurface lithic and ceramic scatter; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. Site 9CE431 is a low density scatter of lithics and pottery; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. Site 9CE432 is probably redeposited road fill, but may represent the remains of a severely eroded site. A phase of occupation cannot be determined. Sites 9SW140 and 9SW141 are small lithic reduction stations; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. Site 9SW142 is a low density lithic and ceramic scatter; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. Site 9SW143 is a surface and subsurface lithic and ceramic scatter; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. Site 9SW144 is a lithic and ceramic scatter; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. Site 9SW145 is a small lithic scatter in conjunction with road fill; a phase of occupation cannot be determined. All of the sites evidenced severe disturbance by agriculture, erosion, and the construction of US 27. This disturbance, the general lack of diagnostic artifacts, the low artifact density, and the lack of preserved midden or features represents a low research potential for all of the sites. Eight of the nine recorded sites and a portion of 9CE31 are not expected to offer meaningful data to interpretation of prehistory, and are, therefore, recommended as ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The portion of 9CE31 located outside the proposed area of effect is recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP until future investigations can be conducted. Based on the findings of this survey, it is recommended that the proposed widening and reconstruction of SR 1/US 27 be given archaeological resources clearance to proceed.