Phase I Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Bridge Replacement at Monument Road (CR 20) Over House Creek, Harris County, Georgia

Under contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), URS Corporation was tasked to conduct a Phase I Archaeological Survey (Phase I) of a proposed bridge replacement along Monument Road/County Road (CR) 20 at House Creek in Harris County, Georgia. The limits of disturbance around the proposed bridge and within the proposed right-of-way (ROW) have been defined as the Area of Potential Effect (APE). The purpose of the Phase I was to investigate the APE, define the nature of any archaeological resources present, and evaluate the resources under the implementing regulations for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800). Initially, reconnaissance surveys were conducted in January and March 2002. These reconnaissance surveys included a systematic pedestrian survey of the APE and adjacent properties at 15-meter intervals with no artifact collection. The entire APE was found to be composed of commercially planted pines and small wetland areas with very uneven, disturbed terrain throughout. Aboveground features were not identified within or immediately adjacent to the APE. No other artifacts or features were identified despite close inspection of exposed soils in push piles, tree falls, ditches, and deep cuts or small excavations. Background research was undertaken along with the initial reconnaissance surveys. Although rock walls and piles, and mounds of prehistoric origin have been documented within the county, the research revealed that no archaeological sites had been found within one mile of the proposed project site. Fieldwork for the Phase I was undertaken on October 4, 2002, and again on June 13, 2003. Based on the extensive disturbance of the entire APE and the presence of push piles, recently cleared and harvested pine areas, exposed subsoil at the surface, deep ravines and drainage ditches, and steep slopes (greater than 15 percent) over most portions of the APE, shovel test pits (STPs) were judged to be unnecessary. The fieldwork included systematic 15-meter interval pedestrian walkovers, which specifically focused on exposed surfaces in the cleared harvest area, push piles, tree falls, deep cuts created by heavy machinery, steep eroded gullies, or excavations. No artifacts were identified as a result of the pedestrian surveys. Additional investigations are not recommended, as it is improbable that significant information about prehistoric or historic cultures could be obtained from subsequent studies due to the extensive ground disturbance within the APE and the lack of any identified cultural material. The APE's integrity of location, feeling, and association has been compromised by extensive earth-moving activities and by road construction, and is not eligible for listing in the NRHP. Dr. William P. Barse served as Principal Investigator, Heather M. Colston authored the report and served as Field Director, Constance Tallman and Sarah Ens served as Field Assistants. Jamie Anderson prepared all accompanying graphics; and Chuck Wilson and Patricia Slade reviewed the document for style and consistency.