Phase I and II Archaeological Investigations and a Historic Resource Survey for the Haralson Mill Road Improvement Project Between Booth Road and the Walton County Line

A Phase I archaeological and historic resource survey of the proposed right-of-way for the Haralson Mill Road Improvement project between Booth Road and the Walton County line was conducted by Garrow & Associates, Inc., in late November 1995. The proposed right-of-way is 0.96 miles long and varies in width from 30 to 200 feet. A segment of the corridor passes through the Haralson Mill Multiple Property Historic District, which has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criteria A, B, and C. The district includes the Haralson dry goods store (RO-131), the Haralson-Parrish House (RO-132), the Haralson-Fore House, the Haralson Mill site (9RO14), and associated outbuildings. No new historic buildings were identified during the historic resource survey. One historic archaeological site (9RO121), which dates to the early to mid-nineteenth century, was discovered. It is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. Shovel tests were placed in the vicinity of the structural remains of a furniture factory (9RO122) associated with the Haralson Mill Multiple Property Historic District to determine whether archaeological remains are present. No cultural material was discovered. A blacksmith shop (9RO123), which is also in the Haralson Mill Multiple Property Historic District, was reinvestigated to determine more precisely the areal extent of archaeological remains associated with this facility. The results of that endeavor, combined with the information obtained during an earlier archaeological survey (Fryman 1994), were used to develop a research design for Phase II testing. The Phase II testing of the Haralson Blacksmith Shop was conducted December 20-22, 1995, by a four-person crew. The testing consisted of intensive systematic shovel testing to the north, south, and east of the shop's foundations to define site boundaries, and the excavation of three test units in the interior of the shop. As a result of the Phase II investigation, the site is recommended eligible for the NRHP under Criterion D. Under current plans, the blacksmith shop will face direct construction impact that will destroy the characteristics that support a recommendation of NRHP-eligible under Criterion D. If current plans cannot be altered to avoid the site area, Phase III data recovery is recommended to mitigate the adverse effects of construction.