Archaeological Testing of Three Sites on the Landings Development, Chatham County, Georgia

This report details the archaeological testing of three sites on Phase III of the Landings development on Skidaway Island, Georgia. Site 9Ch68 was an Irene and Wilmington prehistoric site located near the Diamond Causeway. Marsh edge shell middens and interior non-shell midden areas were tested. Intact cultural shell midden deposits and other features were identified during the testing phase, but further work was not to be conducted as the Branigar Organization did not intend to develop this area. The site will be preserved. Site 9CH734 was a small Irene shell midden, or series of small, overlapping middens, which were tested with two small units. Artifact yield, including faunal and floral remains, was limited, and no further work was proposed. This site is very much like portions of other sites scheduled for more intensive excavation elsewhere on the tract, and the information yield was felt to be redundant. Site 9CH737 contained a Wilmington shell midden, an early nineteenth century cemetery, and a late eighteenth-early nineteenth century habitation area. By agreement with the Savannah District Corps of Engineers, this site will be preserved. The cemetery has been stabilized, and the historic habitation area was tested with two 1 X 1 m test units as specified by the Corps. The testing revealed the corner of a tabby foundation, and artifacts suggesting a middle-class occupant. A chain of title and other historical documentation was also assembled during the course of the project. That information is presented in this volume.