An Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Widening of SR 72 in Elbert County, Georgia

An intensive archaeological resources survey was conducted by the Michael Baker Jr., Inc., Cultural Resources Staff (Atlanta Division) in Elbert County, Georgia, along SR 72 for a total distance of 19.10 km (11.87 miles). The undertaking involves the widening of SR 72 from its intersection with SR 17 to just west of where SR 72 crosses the Savannah River (Richard B. Russell Lake). The project follows the existing SR 72 at a variable width of 100 to 300 feet (Figure 1). In several areas existing curves are rounded, and more direct routes planned. The archaeological work was carried out under the supervision of the Georgia Department of Transportation and in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act. Methodology included both background research and fieldwork. The background research revealed that no previously recorded significant archaeological sites were located within the project's area of potential effect. The fieldwork resulted in the identification of five (5) archaeological sites (one prehistoric and four historic), and two (2) prehistoric isolated occurrences. The first site (9EB561) is located on the south side of SR 72. It is of a recent historic nature (1900 - 1930s) and consists of a standing structure (currently in-use as a barn), and a subsurface deposit of glass and metal fragments. The archaeological component of the site is not considered eligible for nomination to the NRHP due to its lack of archaeological significance and the absence of significant undisturbed subsurface deposits. The second site (9EB562) is located on the north side of SR 72. It consists of a small scatter of probable Mississippian Period lithic debitage. Two 1 x 1 meter test units were placed at the site to determine the degree of subsurface integrity and artifactual density. The site is not considered eligible for nomination to the NRHP as it contains little or no opportunity for data recovery, and no identifiable features. There is, in addition, a lack of vertical stratification as several pieces of recent clear and green bottle glass were found in the test units below the lithic bearing strata. The third site (9EB563) is located near and between 9EB562 and 9EB564. It is located on the north side of SR 72. It is of recent historic nature (post 1930s) and consists of a standing structure (almost completely covered in vegetation) and a very heavy deposit of glass, plastic and metal garbage. None of the surface artifacts were recovered, since they did not show evidence of pre-1946 diagnostic characteristics. The site is not considered eligible for nomination to the NRHP since it does not show archaeological significance. The fourth site (9EB564) is located to the east of 9EB563. It is also located on the north side of SR 72. It is of recent historic nature (post 1930s) and consists of a small house and associated outbuilding, currently unoccupied (but undergoing interior renovation), plus a disperse scatter of recent glass, metal and plastic debris. None of the surface artifacts were recovered, since they did not show evidence of pre-1946 diagnostic characteristics. The site is not considered eligible for nomination to the NRHP since it does not show archaeological significance. The fifth site (9EB565) is located within the eastern third of the project area, and is situated on the south side of SR 72. It is also of a recent historic nature (probably post 1930s). It consists of a slight depression, with some fragmentary foundation stones and a small scatter of glass and metal debris. The immediate site area has undergone considerable disturbance through local garbage dumping (including appliance parts and other metal debris), and vehicle movements. The foundation stones are very small and many have undoubtedly been hauled away. No indication of temporal period is evident. Once again, no surface artifacts were collected since they were all non-diagnostic and virtually indistinguishable from recent garbage dumping. Subsurface integrity is absent. The site is not considered eligible for nomination to the NRHP, since it does not show archaeological significance. The two (2) isolated finds consist of; one (1) Morrow Mountain type projectile point; and one (1 ) quartz debitage flake. Although isolated find #2 occurred near site 9EL562, none of the isolated finds were located within 30 meters (100 It) of any other contemporary artifactual materials. The project results indicate that no significant archaeological resources will be impacted by the undertaking, thus no further investigations are recommended for subsurface cultural deposits. As per the Georgia Department of Transportation Scope of Work, the historic structures are treated in a separate volume.