Archaeological Survey and Testing and Historic Architecture Survey and Impact Assessment of the Proposed Western Alignment, Cowan Road Improvement and Extension Project, Cobb County, Georgia

An archaeological and historic architecture reconnaissance survey for the proposed Cowan Road Improvement and Extension Project in Acworth, Cobb County, Georgia, was undertaken by Garrow & Associates, Inc., in August 1996. The survey examined two alternatives, the Eastern and Western Alignments, for areas of archaeological sensitivity and the presence of historic architectural resources potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). The survey included background research and a literature search. The findings of the survey endorsed no strong preference for either alternative. Following the analysis of the results of several other environmental studies as well as the input gathered from numerous meetings with local officials and the general public, the City of Acworth selected the Western Alignment as the preferred corridor for the project, with concurrence from the Cobb County Department of Transportation. The Western Alignment is approximately 1.5 miles long, not including side streets. The route will extend from Baker Road on the north to South Main Street on the south. The route will follow existing Cowan Road for approximately 0.7 miles and then pass through undeveloped land south of Tanyard Creek before reaching South Main Street east of the downtown core. The roadway will consist of three traffic lanes along existing Cowan Road and two lanes along the new section of the alignment. Once selection of the Western Alignment was finalized, Garrow & Associates conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of the selected route and refined the analysis and results of the historic architecture reconnaissance survey undertaken earlier. The Phase I archaeological survey was performed in December 1996. The survey located one prehistoric archaeological site and one isolated find. Phase II testing of the site to determine its eligibility for the NRHP was undertaken in January 1997.