Apalachee on the River, Archaeological Survey, Gwinnett County

With this letter I am reporting to you on the results of my archeological reconnaissance survey of the ca. 200-acre tract on Fence Road that may be developed as Apalachee on the River subdivision. It is my understanding that Gwinnett County has asked you to have an archeologist make an assessment about whether any graves exist on the property. As I mentioned to you on the telephone, it is virtually impossible for any archeologist to make a firm statement that no graves exist on any given tract of land. Prehistoric Indian graves are rarely marked and it requires a lengthy, expensive, multi-phased archeological program to find such graves. Indian graves are actually, quite rare, even on sites where archeologists believe them likely to occur. Many historic period graves also are not marked, and they too are difficult to locate. I am assuming that Gwinnett County's request stems from the issue of rock piles, which as you know, occur with great frequency in eastern Gwinnett County. Some people believe these are Indian grave markers or are related to Indian ceremonial practices. I have examined all available literature on the scientific investigation of these rock piles in Georgia, and have found that not one of the 54 rock piles excavated so far has contained any evidence of burials, cremations or, graves. Most rock piles (defined as piles less than about 12 ft in diameter and less than 3-4 ft in height) have no evidence of their origin or function. However, all that have had evidence have proven to be of historic (nineteenth century) origin, probably related to resource accumulation and field clearing. Several such rock piles, including one excavated by me on Fence Road, have proven to be chimney stubs from early nineteenth century houses.