Phase II Archaeological Testing of Site 9HE210

From March 29 to April 2, 2010, New South Associates conducted a Phase II Archaeological Testing of Site 9HE210 in Heard County, Georgia (GDOT Project BRSTO-2797-00[004] and PI No. 343420). The testing was in response to a Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) proposal to replace the existing bridge on SR 100 over the New River. A prior archaeological survey (Koch 2006) identified archaeological site 9HE210 in the APE and indicated that the site might contain intact archaeological deposits. As a result, a Phase II testing of the site was necessary to evaluate the site's archaeological significance. The archaeological research was directed and reported by professional archaeologists who meet the Secretary of the Interior's Professional Qualifications Standards (36 CFR 61 and Federal Register 48:44739). Prior to the archeological investigation, a geologic evaluation of the site was conducted by Keith Seramur (see Appendix B). The geological investigation indicated the better-preserved soils were near the base of the slope, while the hilltop had little potential for intact archaeological resources. During the archaeological testing, close interval shovel tests (STs) were excavated to refine the artifact distribution across the site. These STs produced 59 artifacts (518 g) including a Guilford projectile point. Based on the distribution of these artifacts, five excavation units, including four 1x1-meter units and a 1x2-meter unit, were excavated. Combined, these units produced 251 artifacts (536.55 g)-primarily quartz and chert debitage including a Morrow Mountain projectile point knife (PPK). A second Morrow Mountain PPK was found on the ground surface. In addition to three Middle Archaic projectile points, 20 grit-tempered sherds were recovered confirming an Early to Middle Woodland component. Phase II investigations revealed 9HE210 is a multi-component site with Middle Archaic and Early to Middle Woodland components. The site does not appear to have been intensively or frequently occupied during any period. Erosion and the construction of SR 100 has impacted the site's integrity and has destroyed much of the original landform. Despite the presence of diagnostic artifacts, the disturbance combined with the ubiquity of small lithic and ceramic scatters render the site unlikely to produce new or unique data. As such, New South recommends Site 9HE210 is not eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP), and no further archaeological research is recommended.