Archaeological Testing and Evaluation of Ten Sites in the Proposed Horton Creek Reservoir, Fayette County, Georgia

This report documents the results of the Phase II archeological testing of ten sites, 9FY77, 9FY80, 9FY82, 9FY83, 9FY84, 9FY86, 9FY94, 9FY106, 9FY108, and 9FY116, that are within the impact zone of the proposed Horton Creek Reservoir project, Fayette County, Georgia. The research was conducted by New South Associates, Stone Mountain for Mallett & Associates, Inc., Smyrna, Georgia. The fieldwork was conducted between April 5 and May 20, 1993. This Phase II testing program of the 10 sites was structured to recover sufficient information to assess the eligibility or ineligibility of each site for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places and, in some cases, to define the site's boundaries horizontally as well as vertically. During the Phase II testing program, three types of site examination were performed: transect plowing and controlled surface collection; shovel testing; and test unit excavation. Three sites (9FY86, 9FY106, and 9FY116) received transect plowing and controlled surface collection. All ten sites were divided into grids with a transit and tape, and a total of 525 30 x 30 cm shovel test units was excavated during the testing phase. All the test pits were dug to sterile subsoil, and all soil from each pit was screened through 1/4 inch hardware cloth to ensure uniform artifact recovery. The profiles of the test pits were examined for evidence of cultural deposits, and standardized information on soil color and texture was recorded. A total of 40 1 x 1 m test units was placed across the sites to expose sufficient numbers of sub-plow zone features and midden deposits. All of these test units were excavated by shovel skimming, while vertical provenience was maintained using 10 cm levels within natural horizons. The soil from these test units was also screened through 1/4 inch hardware cloth. Four of the prehistoric sites (9FY84, 9FY86, 9FY106, and 9FY116) are recommended as eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D as they are important for the scientific information they alone contain. Impacts to these sites can be mitigated through data recovery; other forms of mitigation are not feasible. Five previously recorded prehistoric sites (9FY77, 9FY82, 9FY83, 9FY94, and 9FY108) and one historic site (9FY80) are recommended ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. One prehistoric site (9FY119) was identified and recorded during the fieldwork, and it is also judged to be ineligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places. No further work is recommended for the ineligible sites under this Phase II testing.