Phase II Test Excavation at 9EC3, Echols County, Georgia

A four-person crew from New South Associates, Inc. conducted Phase II test excavations at 9Ec3 between August 19 and 23, 2002. The aim of the test excavations was to determine the site's research potential and eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). A proposed bridge replacement over the Little River would impact the area within a 1,300-foot (397 m) approach and a 400-foot (122 m) corridor. Site 9Ec3, represented primarily by a Mississippian period component, is located on an elevated landform northeast of the current bridge and falls within the proposed right-of-way. Based on the 85 positive shovel test pits excavated at the site, 9Ec3 roughly measures 140 meters (462 ft) from south to north and not more than 160 meters (528 ft) from east to west. Two-thirds of the site occurs north of SR 135 and a third extends south of the road. Three test units, each measuring two-by-one meters, were excavated during Phase II excavations, one south of SR 135 and two north of the road. Diagnostic ceramics recognized from the excavated collection include Middle Mississippian Savannah Complicated Stamped and Savannah Fine Cord Marked sherds, and Late Woodland Carrabelle Incised and Carrabelle Punctated sherds. These components do not seem to separate out in terms of vertical or horizontal proveniences; sherds of both components occur throughout the 90 centimeters of deposits excavated at the site. The presence of probable Early Woodland lithics among the ceramics is additional evidence for post-depositional disturbance at 9Ec3. Artifacts from the site do not appear to represent their original locations and it is proposed that not much more can be learnt from additional excavations at the site. No intact buried artifacts or preserved cultural features were identified at 9Ec3. Due to this lack of research potential, 9Ec3 is recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). No additional archaeological work is recommended at 9Ec3.