In May of 2017 Southeastern Archeological Services conducted a Phase I archeological survey of a parcel of land (Tax Parcel 121001) totaling about 25 acres. The acreage is located on the south bank of the Middle Oconee River at Jennings Shoals. Athens-Clarke County is interested in acquiring the property and maintaining it as greenspace. Currently, there are no plans to develop the tract. Documentary research determined that a nineteenth century grist mill was located at the shoals, however, no archeological evidence of the mill was found in the project area. The survey discovered four previously unrecorded archeological sites. One (9CA210) is a sparse prehistoric lithic scatter and the others (9CA209, 9CA211, and 9CA212) consist of rock piles, believed to be related to historic agricultural practices (field clearing). None of the sites are considered to be significant, i.e., eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Because the property will be passively maintained we recommend that no additional archeological studies are required.
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