Archeological Testing at Site 9GW109 (Reassigned as Sites 9GW109, 9GW115, and 9GW203) Proposed Wild Timber/Fairgreen Development Site

During August, September and October, 1997, Site 9GWI09 was evaluated to determine the extent and nature of prehistoric archeological deposits at this location, which is adjacent to the Chattahoochee River in Gwinnett County, Georgia. The site was previously identified in 1975 (Barber) and 1986 (Gresham) as part of one or more archeological sites (i.e., Sites 9GWI2, 9GW202, 9GW203). This archeological testing project was conducted on behalf of Fairgreen Capital L.P. for the proposed Wild Timber/Fairgreen Development Site as part of National Historic Preservation Act requirements as it applies to processing U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit applications (DA Permit No. 970009070). The current study utilized data from the survey shovel tests, close-grid shovel tests and three, 2 by 2 meter test units to determine the horizontal and vertical extent of Site 9GW109. Three concentrations of prehistoric artifacts separated by voids of 60 or more meters were detected within the overall site boundaries. These were designated Loci A, B and C. Archeological deposits in Loci A and C are confined to historically impacted deposits within the upper 50 to 60 centimeters below surface. Similar disturbed deposits were recorded at Locus B; however, Locus B also contained a buried and intact lithic artifact-bearing zone at 96 to 136 centimeters below surface, which includes an intact rock cluster feature. Ceramics were collected from each of the three loci and include wares from the Early Woodland (Kellogg Phase), Middle Woodland (Cartersville Phase), Late Woodland (Swift Creek/Napier Phases), Early Mississippian (Woodstock Phase) and Late Mississippian (Lamar) periods. Diagnostic lithics include a Late Archaic stemmed and a Woodland triangular projectile point. Disturbances are such that none of the ceramic bearing occupations are distinct or separable. Only the buried lithic artifact-bearing deposit in Test Unit I (Locus B) is clearly separate from overlying mixed ceramic/lithic-bearing, zone. This lithic deposit is believed to date to the Archaic period; but this is based solely on this deposit's depth below the zone containing the Woodland and Early Mississippian period ceramics. In view of the distinct separation of the three loci and to simplify management of the archeological resources, the loci were assigned site numbers. As assigned by the State Archeological Site Files, Locus A became Site 9GWI 15, Locus B became 9GW203 (revisit) and Locus C remained Site 9GW109 (Figure 1). Based on testing results, Sites 9GW 115 and 9GW 109 are recommended as ineligible for the NRHP. Site 9GW203, original Site 9GW109's Locus B, is recommended eligible for the NRHP under Criterion D. It is advised that Site 9GW203 be protected through in-place preservation methods. No additional -work is recommended for the archeological deposits in Sites 9GWI 15 and 9GWI09 (former Loci A and Q. Site 9GWI 15 exhibits a very low artifact density, while Site 9GWI09 has been severely impacted by cultivation and 20th century earthmoving activities.