Archeological Survey of the Proposed Widening and Reconstruction of U.S. 441/S.R. 15 Rabun County, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc. contracted with the Georgia Department of Transportation to conduct an archaeological survey of a 16 kn (10 miles) long corridor along U.S. 441/S.R. 15 between Clayton and Tallulah Dam, as well as numerous highway intersections. This portion of the highway is slated for widening and reconstruction. This survey was intended to identify and evaluate the potential impacts of such a project on archaeological resources in the project area. Fieldwork consisted of a combination of methods involving intensive archaeological survey, surface inspection, and visual reconnaissance of the entire project corridor and all intersections slated for reconstruction. Field survey resulted in the identification, recording, and evaluation of three previously unrecorded archaeological sites. Three isolated finds were also documented. Additionally, a previously recorded archaeological site (9RA137) was relocated. All identified resources were evaluated to a level sufficient to allow for recommendations of eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Table 1 summarizes the results of this survey. Site 9RA137 is partially located within the proposed project corridor and was evaluated through the excavation of both 50 by 50 cm (20 by 20 in) and 1 by 1 m (3 by 3 ft) units. Site 9RA137 is recommended eligible for nomination to the NRHP. The six previously unrecorded archaeological resources identified during this survey exhibited extreme disturbance and limited research potential. Each of these sites and isolates is recommended ineligible for listing on the NRHP. The proposed project corridor along Joy Church Road borders the Joy Church cemetery and caution is recommended in this area in order to avoid disturbance to the cemetery.