Archaeological Testing of 9Hk56, Hancock County, Georgia and 9Pm689, Putnam County, Georgia

In March and May 1996 archaeological investigations were conducted by archaeologists from Georgia Power Company (GPC) and Brockington and Associates, Inc. on two sites, 9HK56 (Hancock County, Georgia) and 9PM689 (Putnam County, Georgia). Both sites are located within the GPC Vogtle-Scherer transmission line corridor. The sites were identified during archaeological survey conducted in 1984 and recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), based on the quality of their prehistoric components. Since 1990, the sites have been monitored annually by GPC Land Department archaeologists. Recent monitoring discovered evidence of disturbance on both sites. Archaeological testing was initiated to redefine site boundaries (within the GPC transmission line corridor), and to reassess current NRHP eligibility status for the purpose of determining future site management needs. Fieldwork consisted of intensive archaeological survey of both sites and Phase II testing at 9HK56. Site boundaries were redefined, and both sites were reevaluated with regard to NRHP eligibility. These investigations resulted in verification of severe disturbance at both sites. Due to the extensive nature of the disturbance, much valuable data has been lost. In management terms, archaeological testing at 9HKS6 and 9PM689 has been completed and reported. It is highly unlikely that data useful to research would be obtained from further investigations at either of these sites. In fact, these studies have effectively mitigated the potential adverse effects of damage, through the recovery of valuable data. Neither site exhibits sufficient integrity to support current NRHP eligibility status. No additional archaeological investigations or site monitoring are recommended at these sites. Sites 9HK56 and 9PM689 are recommended NRHP ineligible, and continued monitoring of these sites by GPC is not recommended.