Phase I Archeological Resources Survey of the Proposed 4.0 Acre Jordan Development Tract, Gordon County, Georgia

R.S. Webb & Associates (RSWA) conducted a Phase I archeological resources survey of a 1.6 hectare [(ha) 4.0 Acre] development tract in Gordon County, Georgia. Mr. Tim Jordan proposes to construct four chicken houses at this location. Mr. Jordan is receiving a United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) loan, guaranteed by the Farm Service Agency (FSA), to start his poultry farm, placing the project under federal jurisdiction. The State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) requested that an archeological survey be conducted to comply with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-665; 80 STAT.915; 16 U.S.C. 470) as amended. A literature review of the State Archeological Site Files and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) was conducted by Ms. Suzanne DeRosa on January 3, 2003. The literature review indicated two state recognized archeological sites are within a 1.6-km radius of the proposed development tract. Based on the proximity of these sites to the proposed development tract, the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office recommended that a comprehensive archeological survey be conducted. The archeological field survey was conducted by Mr. Jonathan A. Bloom on January 3, 2003. Surface inspection and systematic screened shovel testing techniques were used to search for archeological resources. The proposed development tract is located on a low ridge top overlooking the Noblet Creek floodplain. At the time of the field survey, the project area was in grass pasture. Three small knolls occupied the northeast half of the project area. The knoll tops contained patchy areas of eroded surface exposures. Surface visibility ranged from 0-15 percent on the knoll tops, and 0 percent for the remainder of the survey tract. Thirty shovel tests were excavated within the development tract at 30-m intervals. Soils from all shovel tests were screened through 0.64-centimeter hardware cloth to enhance the recovery of artifacts. From speaking with the former land owner and neighboring land owners, Mr. Jordan learned that the project area had been a family cotton farm for many years. The shallow plowzone/topsoil confirms the area had been plowed, and that there had been severe agriculture-related erosion. One archeological site (Site 9GO235) was recorded as a result of this survey. Site 9GO235 contains indeterminate prehistoric and 19'/20`' century components. The site has been destroyed by agricultural activities and severe erosion, and is recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places. No additional work is recommended for the proposed 1.6 ha Jordan development tract. Following the review process, a copy of the final report, artifacts, field notes, maps, photographs and negatives, and pertinent ancillary documentation will be given to Mr. Tim Jordan, the land owner.