Archaeological Resources Survey of US 441, Bishop Bypass, Oconee County, Georgia

Under project Work Order 160 with Greenhorne and O'Mara (contracting with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), Brockington and Associates, Inc., performed Phases I and II archaeological investigations within the proposed improvement corridor for US 441 in Oconee County, Georgia. Background research, fieldwork (archaeological resources survey and site evaluation), laboratory analysis, and report production were completed in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and with regulations implementing this legislation (36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties). Our field investigations were conducted between 23 July and 3 August 2001. The project corridor includes an estimated 6.5 km (4.1 mi) of new location corridor east of Greenbrier Creek. The project corridor begins north of the town of Farmington and terminates southwest of Watkinsville bypassing the town of Bishop. Background research focused on documenting previously recorded significant or potentially significant cultural resources (i.e., archaeological resources considered potentially eligible, eligible, or listed on the National Register of Historic Places [NRHP]). Field investigation focused on identifying and evaluating all archaeological resources within the project corridor. We recorded and evaluated two archaeological sites (9OC295 and 9OC296) and four isolated finds during our field investigations. Site 9OC295 is a Late Mississippian (late Dyar phase) farmstead site with possible intact cultural deposits. The site includes numerous large diagnostic sherds and a rich midden containing well preserved bone and shell fragments. These finds reveal much about subsistence strategies of native populations, and can also be used to reconstruct the former environment of the site. The deepest midden deposits are located beyond the project boundaries; however, portions of the site within the proposed right-of-way contain considerable quantities of diagnostic materials in intact context. We recommend this site as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). This site should be avoided during development. If 9OC295 cannot be avoided, appropriate mitigation (e.g., data recovery) should be conducted. Site 9OC296 is also a single component (Late Mississippian) archaeological site. However, this site is the product of slope wash from a nearby eroded hilltop (outside of the project corridor) and lacks the potential to contribute significantly to our knowledge of the time period. Deposits are relatively shallow and are not in situ. It is unlikely that intact features are present. Site 9OC296 is recommended as ineligible for the NRHP and no further archaeological investigations should be required at-this location.