Archaeological Survey of the 5th Avenue Road Widening Project, Columbus, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an archaeological survey for the proposed 5th Avenue widening project in Columbus, Georgia, on August 24, 1999 for Moore Bass Consulting, Inc., under a contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT). Background research and field survey were conducted to identify National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) potentially eligible historic resources within and near the project corridor, and to identify areas exhibiting a high probability for encountering archaeological sites. This archaeological investigation was conducted in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (as amended, 1992) and the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA 1991). Background research conducted at the Georgia Archaeological Site Files (Athens) and the Georgia Historic Preservation Division (Atlanta), revealed that there are no resources on 5th Avenue (between 13th and 15th Streets) listed on, nominated to, or recommended eligible for the NRHP. However, several archaeological sites have been recorded north of the project corridor. Freer and Wood (1994) identified 9ME106, 9ME107, 9ME108, and 9ME109, which represent the remains of demolished houses. These sites were determined ineligible for the NRHP. Gresham et al. (1994) identified 9ME 110 and 9ME 111, which are the remains of demolished residences, and were also determined ineligible for the NRHP. In 1996 the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) identified three historic sites (9ME171, 9ME172, and 9ME173) which are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. Implementation of the proposed 5" Avenue road widening project would result in no effect to these sites. Field survey consisted of pedestrian inspection of the entire project corridor. Visual inspection was conducted to identify areas with potential for intact archaeological deposits. The archaeological context on both sides of 5th Avenue, from 13th to 15th Streets, is disturbed from modern development. No undisturbed areas were identified for shovel testing. Brockington and Associates, Inc., recommends that no further archaeological work is warranted within the direct impact area of this project. Cultural resources clearance is recommended. No archaeological sites were found in the project corridor and potential for preserved significant archaeological remains is limited.