Archaeological Survey and Site Evaluation of Proposed Improvements to U.S. 27/SR 1, Troup, Heard, Carroll County, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted archaeological resources survey and site evaluation of proposed corridor widening segments of US 27/SR 1 in Troup, Heard, and Carroll counties, Georgia between October 1995 and January 1996. The proposed corridor is 28.1 miles long and 250 feet wide. The purpose of the survey was to locate archaeological resources within the proposed corridor and to make National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility recommendations. The work was conducted for the Georgia Department of Transportation, in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Archaeological survey recorded eight previously unrecorded archaeological sites (9TP900, 9HE180, 9HE181, 9HE182, 9HE183, 9HE184, 9HE185, and 9HE186), and provided additional information on three previously recorded sites (9HE123, 9TP892, 9HE161). These 11 sites were evaluated for NRHP eligibility. Nine of the recorded sites consist of historic period structures, structural ruins, and/or artifact scatters, representing early to middle twentieth century occupations. Late nineteenth century artifacts were recorded at one of these historic sites (9HE180). These sites have been disturbed by razing, grading, and erosion, exhibit no additional research potential, and are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. Site 9HE123, one of two prehistoric sites recorded, exhibits evidence of Late Mississippian (Lamar) occupation. Evaluation (test unit excavation) at 9HE123 indicated a limited and fragmentary artifact assemblage and substantial disturbance from plowing and erosion. The site lacks research potential and is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. Archaeological evaluation of 9HE161 (systematic short interval shovel tests, test unit excavation) encountered relatively undisturbed cultural deposits (as deep as 72 cm below present ground surface) and a large and diverse artifact assemblage (ceramics, lithics, fire cracked rock). Based on recovery of diagnostic ceramics, this prehistoric site exhibits evidence of Late Woodland (Swift Creek) and Middle Woodland (Cartersville) occupation. Additional investigations at 9HE161 could provide evidence of diachronic change in site structure and activity area use. Site 9HE161 is recommended eligible for the NRHP. Site 9HE161 is located approximately 10 to 15 meters outside of the project corridor, and will not be affected by proposed highway widening. Based on results of survey and evaluation, archaeological resources clearance to proceed is recommended.