An Archeological Survey of Part of the Wilson Camp Landfill (Former Satilla Portion) Muscogee County, Georgia

This document summarizes the results of an archeological survey along 1670 feet of Chattahoochee River frontage that is part of a 77 acre parcel of the Wilson Camp Landfill located in the southwestern corner of Muscogee County, Georgia. The project tract, which has been designated the Satilla Parcel, is bounded on the west by a portion of the Chattahoochee River known as Kyle's Bend. The tract is bounded by open land (abandoned mining pits and landfill) on the remaining sides. Lumpkin Road is located less than half a kilometer to the east of the tract. Figure 1 shows the location of the project tract. The Satilla Parcel of the landfill is being closed down and a U.S. Army Corps of Engineers permit is required in order for stream bank stabilization to proceed. Stabilization is necessary to insure that the bank does not erode in the future. The archeological survey was limited to a narrow strip along the river bank. One archeological site is presently recorded in the Georgia Site Files. Most of the site area is thought to have been destroyed by a combination of river bank erosion during the late nineteenth century and sand and gravel mining during the mid-twentieth century. Our brief study of the history of the local area and review of the largely unpublished previous research provides an initial step toward reaching an understanding of the archeological and historic period resources associated with the area. The archeological survey was conducted by one field technician during a two day period of February 12 and 13, 2007. The property boundaries were defined using the topographic project map provided by JJ&G. Exposed ground surfaces along the river bank were inspected and shovel tests were excavated at several locations along the length of project area. Information concerning current surface conditions was recorded as field notes and photographs. Our survey found no evidence of an archeological site within the examined area. Much of the present river bank is covered by slabs of concrete, stone, and late-twentieth century garbage. That material covers the ground surface from the crest of the bluff to the water line and extends over most of the surveyed area. In the few places where the river bank was not covered by this material, our investigation encountered only sterile soils. The results of the survey are consistent with expectations based on the known land-use practices. These practices are detailed in our examination of previous research and site history. Briefly, extensive river bank erosion is well documented and the sand and gravel mining, subsequent landfill activity, and previous efforts at shoreline stabilization, have all contributed to the destruction of the site area along the present river frontage. The proposed stream bank stabilization work should result in no additional impact to previously recorded archeological resources. If concurrence is granted by the review agencies, no further archeological field work should be required.