The archaeological data recovery excavations at site 9Ril 74 (formerly 9Ri(DOT)30) provided an excellent opportunity to improve our understanding of the Late Archaic in the central Savannah River Valley. By comparing and contrasting the data from 9Ri174 with those from other extensively examined sites in the vicinity, the interpretations of settlement and adaptation during the Late Archaic are strengthened.
Site 9Ri174 is located on a small rise within the Phinizy Swamp, a portion of the Savannah River swamp, just southeast of modem day Augusta, Georgia. The soils of the site landform were needed as borrow for the extension of I-575, the Bobby Jones Expressway. Accordingly, the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) contracted Brockington and Associates, Inc., to mitigate the potential adverse effects by conducting data recovery excavations.
The field work began with the excavation of 24 50 by 50 cm units on a five m interval over the entire site landform. The results of the 50 by 50 cm units were utilized to guide the placement of 12 two by two m units. A total of 54 square m of the site was excavated, representing a 7.2 percent sample.
The excavations demonstrated that the major component dated from the second half of the Lovers Lane phase. The distribution of artifacts and features was interpreted as the remains from a single residential structure, possibly derived from a single-season cold weather occupation. Minor site use also occurred in the Early Archaic, Middle Archaic, and Middle Woodland periods.
The research potential of site 9Ril 74 has been achieved through the excavations and analyses. Clearance is recommended for borrow activity.
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