Archeological Survey, Excavation, and Documentation of a Segment of Johnston's River Line Oakdale Road and Turner Road Cobb County, Georgia

In February 2004, R. S. Webb and Associates (RSWA) conducted an archeological survey of the 20-acre development tract at the intersection of Oakdale Road and Turner Road in Cobb County, Georgia for PCH Development, LLC (PCH) to locate and identify archeological resources within the project area and to assess the significance of each resource. Based on survey data, two sites, 9CO677 and 9CO678, were identified. These sites contain 20 features considered Civil War earthworks and features which were considered possible Civil War earthworks. Twelve features were recorded as Civil War rifle pits. Two of the features recorded as rifle pits were considered possibly outside the project area boundary. Two features were classified as possible rifle pits. Six features, were recorded as possible Civil War earthworks. The rifle pits were recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion A (important events), Criterion C (design/construction), and Criterion D (archeology) at the state level of significance. Additional archeological investigations were recommended to further evaluate the remaining features. After reviewing the archeological survey results, the City of Smyrna requested that additional research be conducted to: a) document the rifle pits, b) further evaluate the features identified as possibly Civil Warrelated, and c) conduct archeological excavations of four rifle pits. In November 2004, RSWA conducted additional background research and field investigations in the areas identified as Civil War earthworks and possible Civil War earthworks within the Oakdale Road-Turner Road development tract. RSWA mapped and photographed the features, conducted test excavations at a feature considered a possible Civil War earthwork, and excavated four rifle pits. Through these investigations we confirmed that twelve features identified within the project area during the Phase I survey are good examples of Civil War rifle pits. Two previously unrecorded rifle pits were identified as a result of vegetation clearing, and these features were documented. One rifle pit recorded at Site 9CO678 during the Phase I survey was determined to be outside the present project area, and will not be impacted by the proposed undertaking. One feature previously considered to be a rifle pit may not be a rifle pit, or it is so disturbed that it no longer reflects important aspects of design and construction typical of Civil War rifle pits. Six surface features considered possible Civil War features were determined not to be Civil War features. PCH and the City of Smyrna agreed that three rifle pits, RP-1, RP-2, and RP-3, will be preserved in-place. During the second phase of archeological field work, a chain-link fence was erected around the area of these rifle pits to protect them while construction activities are underway. After construction is completed, a historical marker will be erected at the rifle pits which describes their historical significance and public access to the rifle pits will be made available.