A Reconnaissance Survey of the BriarRose Tract, Hancock and Greene Counties, Georgia

Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) conducted a reconnaissance level survey of approximately 1800 acres of partially developed land known as the Briar Rose Tract during the summer of 2003. The survey area is located primarily in Hancock County but extends into a very small area of adjoining Greene County. The survey was conducted as a part of the due diligence process relating to the overall development plan for the property. The survey consisted of surface inspection of high probability areas with respect to archeological sites. Landforms with the highest potential for containing archeological sites generally exhibited some surface exposure because of grading related to the prior landscaping and logging activities. The survey identified 40 archeological sites and 8 isolated artifacts (recorded as occurrences). Most of the collections consisted of relatively small numbers of prehistoric or historic artifacts. No standing structures greater than fifty years old remain on the property. Cemeteries were not previously reported on the property and none were encountered during the survey. Because the survey was not conducted at an intensive level, a determination of eligibility is considered for only a few of the sites identified in the tract. Three sites, 9HK194 (Field Site 7), 9HK196 (Field Site 9), and 9HK198 (Field Site 11) were investigated more thoroughly and based on that work are recommended potentially eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. The reconnaissance survey indicated that some potentially significant archeological sites are present on the tract. Those findings have been made available to the property owners for consideration in the planning and development of the tract.