Phase I Archaeological Survey: Proposed Replacement of the Oconee River Bridge and Reconstruction of Route 46, Treutlen and Wheeler Counties, Georgia

Greenhorne & O'Mara, Inc., under contract to the Georgia Department of Transportation (GaDOT), conducted an archaeological survey of an approximately 4.5 mile-long (7.2 kilometer-long) corridor along a portion of Route 46 in Treutlen and Wheeler Counties, Georgia. The GaDOT intends to replace the existing Oconee River bridge, and realign a portion of Route 46 to the south and north of the river. The existing Oconee River bridge is an historic structure, and it is evaluated in a separate document. The excavation of 216 shovel test pits revealed a soil profile consisting mainly of a thin humic layer overlying sandy loam and sandy clay loam subsoils. A single chert flake was recovered from the surface in the northern portion of the project area. This flake appears to be an isolated find. Intensive shovel testing in the vicinity of the previously recorded, Site 9TU17, failed to produce any artifacts from within the project area, and it was concluded that the site lies outside of the current project boundaries. Structural remains were identified in three locations within the project area. The first of these consisted of an abandoned cement block dwelling, apparently less than 50 years in age, located near the intersection of Route 46 and Route 19. Based on its late date this structure was not designated as an archaeological site. Structural remains south of the Oconee River bridge appear to date to the late 1930s. While no artifacts were recovered in association with this structure, given that it appeared to be more than 50 years old, it met the definition of a site. Structural remains were also encountered along the west side of Route 46 north of Bass Branch. Artifacts associated with this structure suggest that it may date to the early 20th century. Accordingly, these remains were also designated as an archaeological site. Other artifacts identified within the project area included clear glass fragments and a porcelain sherd and date to the 20th century, lack good context, and are widely scattered. These artifacts are not indicative of significant historic activities within the project area. While the archaeological survey of the project area corridor resulted in the identification of a single prehistoric isolated find, and two 20th century domestic sites. Based on their relatively late dates and/or lack of integrity, none of these resources appears to possess the potential to provide important information concerning life in the past, and, as a result, they do not represent archaeological resources potentially eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. It is concluded that the proposed replacement of the Oconee River bridge, and realignment of Route 46 will have no affect on potentially significant archaeological resources. No further archaeological investigations are recommended within the project area.