River Ferry on Ocmulgee River near Jackson, Georgia

Purpose: Evaluate a possible 19th century ferry that had ben washed out of the Ocmulgee River near Jackson, Georgia. Comments: the field visit showed that the vessel remains are a wooden ferry; based on the lack of metal fittings, a 19th century building date seems likely. The historic records, and the existing dirt roads, all indicate that this is the original site of the ferry. Issues: This resource was first called to our attention by Mr. Steve Story; based on the fact that the vessel was apparently washed or dislodged from the bottom of the river indicates that it falls within the definition of a state owned underwater resource. There are no 106 issues at this time. Results: the vessel remains are lying partly submerged against the western bank of the river. We recorded the site with photographs, drawings, and a state site form. A small sample of wood was taken back to the OSA lab for analysis and stabilization. No other preservation options are available for the immediate future. Results: the vessel has been recorded; the rest of the vessel may be located in the river bottom. A search could locate the rest of the ferry. In addition to the ferry, there may be related features located in the project vicinity. Mr. Story also provided us with a page from a 1860 ledger of a factory complex located about 1/2 miles downstream called the Ocmulgee Mills; we did not see the site on this visit, but a large mid to late 19th century factory complex is apparently located nearby.