Archaeological Surveys of Alternative Routes 1-4 of the Final Segment of the Harry S. Truman Parkway

An archeological survey of four alternative routes of the final, southern section of the Harry S. Truman Parkway was conducted in 1994 and 1995. The goal was to determine if significant archeological sites were present, which could affect the selection and construction of the preferred alternate route. Three archeological sites and two historic cemeteries were discovered during the reconnaissance-level surveys. Two of the sites date to the early twentieth century. Due to the low research potential associated with such sites, neither is considered eligible to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The third archeological site, 9CH791, dates to the prehistoric period. It was recorded during an earlier survey and is ineligible to the NRHP. This site partially extends into the current study area, but again it is recommended as ineligible due to severe disturbance and low research potential. Both of the historic cemeteries are recommended as eligible to the National Register of Historic Places. The White Bluff Presbyterian Church cemetery (9CH857) started in the early 1700s and contains the graves of some of Savannah's Colonial founders. It is located at the west end of Alternate 2, at the comer of White Bluff and Skyline Roads. Alternate 2 has been designed to avoid the property containing the White Bluff Presbyterian Church Cemetery. The second cemetery, known both as the Eugenia or New Guinea cemetery (9CH858), began during the Antebellum period as a slave graveyard. Located at the comer of Montgomery Cross Road and Sallie Mood Drive, it is maintained by the descendants of the slaves. Alternate 3 has been designed to avoid the property containing the cemetery. With the exception of the two cemeteries, there is a low potential that any significant archeological sites are present along most of the alternative routes. Residential and urban development has been intensive, or the terrain is low and poorly drained, meaning that intact or significant archeological sites are unlikely to be encountered. The greatest possibility of encountering relatively intact archeological sites is along the southern portion of Alternate 2, which follows the bluff edge overlooking the Vernon River and salt marsh. The bluff is a residential area containing dispersed, individual houses. There could be semi-intact archeological sites in the yards and beneath the structures. This could not be verified during the reconnaissance survey because in only two locations did we have landowner permission to excavate shovel tests. Although these were negative, there is still the possibility that prehistoric or early historic archeological sites exist. If Alternate 2 is chosen, this area should be intensively surveyed. Similarly, Alternate 3 crosses a high probability landform in the northern portion of Alternate 3. Currently, this is in the Bacon Park Golf Course. Due to the setting, no shovel tests were excavated on the golf course. Table 1 presents eligibility assessments for the newly discovered sites along the four alternative routes, and for previously discovered sites in the northern portion of Alternate 1.