Archeological Predictive Modeling and Site Significance in Georgia: A Synthesis of Cultural Resource Investigations at Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield

The utilization of archeological predictive modeling on military lands enhances the ability of environmental management personnel to effectively administer cultural resources. At installations such as Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield in Georgia, cultural resource managers depend on probability determinations regarding site presence in order to dictate survey test spacing. The ultimate goal is to more efficiently assess archeological resources for their National Register ofHistoric Places eligibility, a process that begins with the inventory of cultural materials within the Federally managed area. To aid in this, a model for assessing site eligibility was developed for the study area based in large part on theoretical groundwork established by Fort Hood, Texas. In addition to the site significance component, a revised model for determining zones ofhigh probability for containing archeological sites was also created in order to facilitate the initial inventory. To facilitate the development ofboth models, a synthesis of the current state of knowledge regarding the environment, culture, and past investigations of the Fort Stewart and Hunter Army Airfield area is also included.

The probability model created as a part of this project incorporates an 18% sample obtained from investigations at Fort Stewart. The surveys used in the analysis phase of this project were conducted using shovel tests on a 30-x-30 m grid, and covered an area of approximately 20,200 ha. Within this sample region, eight different environmental variables were investigated with regards to their correlation to the presence or absence of prehistoric and historic sites. Three additional cultural variables were also analyzed for the historic sites within the study area. Results indicate a strong correlation between specific soil permeability classes and site location, suggesting that both prehistoric and historic settlers sought out well drained sections of the installation. In addition, it is shown that they actively avoided poorly drained areas. Other variables also played a lesser, albeit important, role in affecting site location, including slope, local relief, elevation, and distance to roads. Through the coupling of a more accurate predictive model for site location with a more effective and uniform means of assessing National Register eligibility, it is hoped that both time and money can be saved in future investigations at Fort Stewart Military Installation and Hunter Army Airfield. This report is intended as a major step in that direction.