Cultural Resources Survey McGraw Ford Substation Tract, and Phase II Evaluation of Site 9CK1062, Cherokee County, Georiga

In June and July, 1999, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted a cultural resources survey of the approximately 278 acre McGraw Ford Substation Tract, in Cherokee County, Georgia through Dial Cordy and Associates, Inc. for Georgia Power Company. This project included background research, and archaeological and architectural survey, and Phase II archaeological testing of 9CK1062. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) of the project is defined as the entire 278 acre survey tract. The direct impact area consists of an approximately 82 acre proposed substation site, located within the larger project tract. Archaeological survey consisted of the excavation of screened shovel tests at 30 meter (100 ft) intervals across the entire project tract. Phase II testing consisted of excavation of five 1 by 1 meter units at 9CK1062. Architectural survey consisted of driving accessible roads near the project tract to evaluate standing structures. No historic (over 50 years old) architectural resources were identified within the APE of the proposed project. Archaeological survey resulted in the identification of ten sites (9CK1057 9CK1065 and 9CK1067), four isolated finds (Isolates E-1, D-1, G-1, and G-2), and two modern (less than 50 years old) moonshine stills (Figure 1). Table 1 provides a summary of these resources. Following initial survey four sites (9CK1057, 9CK1062, 9CK1063, and 9CK1065) appeared to be potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Since Site 9CK1062 is in the direct impact area of the proposed project, Phase II testing was conducted to further evaluate its NRHP eligibility status. Based on the results of Phase II testing, 9CK1062 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. Six sites (9CK1058-9CK1061, 9CK1064, and 9CK1067), four Isolated Finds (E-1, D-1, G-1, and G-2), and the two possible stills are recommended ineligible for the NRHP based on survey results. Site 9CK1057 is a long, deep mineral prospect with spoil piles on a ridge side slope. The site also includes the remains of an associated building. The mine cuts at this site are recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP under Criteria A (history) and C (engineering). The site is outside the direct impact area of the proposed project; avoidance of this site is recommended. Site 9CK1063 is a prehistoric subsurface ceramic and lithic scatter situated in the western floodplain of a small unnamed creek. This site is also recommended NRHP potentially eligible due to its potential for intact prehistoric deposits. The site is outside the direct project impact area, and avoidance of this site is recommended. Site 9CK1065 is a subsurface scatter of prehistoric lithics and ceramics in the Etowah River floodplain, at its confluence with Long Swamp Creek. Background research revealed site 9CK1065 is associated with Long Swamp town (9CK1), a prehistoric/historic period Cherokee Village. This site is also recommended potentially