Archeological and Historical Investigations of Durham's Mills Oconee County, Georgia

Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) conducted archeological testing of site 90C21 on property owned by the town of Watkinsville during the months of December 2000 and January 2001. The sites were originally discovered during a 1980 survey of a 35 acre tract to be developed as a waste water treatment facility (Gresham 1980). The surveyed area is located on Calls Creek which is a tributary stream of the Oconee River. The original survey identified four archeological sites of significance. Two sites, 90C20 and 23, were identified as prehistoric lithic scatters. Sites 90C21 and 90C22 were identified as two components of a nineteenth century industrial site known as Durham's Mills. Site 90C22 contained the actual mill remains. Site 90C21, which is the focus of the present investigation, was thought to be the remains of the miller's dwelling house (Gresham 1980:1). Each of the four sites were considered eligible to the National Register of Historic Places at the local level of significance based on the survey; however, additional testing was recommended for sites 90C20 and 90C21 in the event that preservation in place was not a practical option. Sites recommended as eligible retain substantial evidence of further research potential, and thus meet National Register criterion d. Plans for expansion of existing facilities will impact site 90C21. As a result, Jordan, Jones & Goulding, Inc., requested a testing phase level of investigation to firmly establish National Register eligibility. That investigation included limited excavation and additional archival research. Excavation consisted of four test pits, additional shovel tests, and a metal detector search. Archival research was directed to discovering information that might confirm that the small historic site identified as 90C21 was actually the miller's house. Archeological testing conducted by SAS indicates that little research potential remains for archeological site 90C21. While there is documentary evidence that the site is the miller's house, the archeological site has been disturbed by cultivation. Cultivation has removed surface features formerly associated with the structure and scattered artifacts. As a result, an interpretation of artifact patterning, which is considered a primary aspect of site investigation, has been greatly diminished. Testing also suggests that few sub-plowzone features remain on the site. As a result, there is not enough interpretable information preserved on the site for the Principal Investigator to recommend further excavation. The site is recommended ineligible for nomination to the National Register. No additional work is recommended for 90C21.