Phase I Archaeological Survey and Phase II Testing of the SR96 Corridor, West Segment, Twiggs and Houston Counties, Georgia, GDOT Project No. STP-155-1(22) P.I. No. 322460

The archaeological examination of the West Segment of the expansion and realignment of SR 96 in Twiggs and Houston Counties, Georgia included a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the project corridor and additional Phase II Archaeological Testing of three sites encountered along this segment. The survey corridor for this project (GDOT Project No. SP-155-1[22], P.I. No. 322460) is one of three investigations associated with SR 96. The previous investigations examined the portions of SR 96 directly east (GDOT Project No. STP-155-1 [23], P.I. No. 322470) and west (GDOT Project No. STP-155-1 [21 ], P.I. No. 322450) of the current study corridor. The current survey corridor consisted of a corridor of expanded right-of way (ROW) oriented along the existing path of SR 96 and associated feeder roads and spurs. Survey of the corridor began along SR 96 from a point 0.4 mile southwest of the intersection of SR 96 and SR 87 to a point approximately 1,500 feet east of the intersection of Old Hawkinsville Road, Thompson Mill Road, and SR 96, which totaled approximately seven miles. The required ROW extended approximately 25 meters (90 ft) north of the existing centerline of SR 96 and approximately 45 meters (160 ft) to the south of SR 96. The new alignment of additional spurs and feeder roads featured a maximum width of approximately 45 meters (160 ft). These corridors were located adjacent to and along Westlake and Old Shiloh Church roads. Two survey transect parallel to the road were used to investigate the new ROW along existing road corridors, while areas of new alignment were examined with a single transect oriented through the middle of the corridor. A total of 735 shovel test pits were investigated at 30-meter (100-ft) intervals along the corridor, with an additional 170 shovel test pits excavated at 15-meter (50-ft) intervals. Seven previously identified archaeological sites were found in, or adjacent to, the surveyed corridor. Additionally, the Phase I survey resulted in the identification of eight new sites and eight isolated artifact finds. Based upon the Phase I findings, three sites required additional investigation to assess their potential eligibility to the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). These sites were subjected to Phase II testing. The Phase II testing included the excavation of four 1x1-meter units, two 1x1-meter units, and two 1x1-meter units. Phase II examination of one site resulted in the recovery of 893 lithic and ceramic artifacts primarily dating to the Woodland period. Although artifact density was considerable, the impact from modern development of SR 96, the Southern Railroad, and a Georgia Power transmission corridor was more intensive than Phase I survey indicated. No features or discrete cultural horizons were identified in the Phase II test units. The portion of the site within the study corridor is interpreted as not contributing to the site's NRHP eligibility under Criterion D. Similarly, Phase II testing of another site did not result in the identification of any distinct cultural features or soil horizons. The Phase II assemblage totaled 432 primarily lithic artifacts dating to the Archaic period. Grading was evident in the soil profiles observed in excavated testing units. The site was located in a Georgia Power transmission corridor adjacent to the SR 96 road apron. The water table was encountered approximately 90 centimeters (3 ft) below ground surface, halting further controlled sampling. Excavations into the water table produced significantly lower concentrations of artifacts. Based on the Phase II excavations, it is our recommendation that the portion of this site within the study corridor does not contribute to the site's eligibility to the NRHP under Criterion D. Unlike this site, the Phase II artifact assemblage of a third site consisted primarily of prehistoric pottery sherds, indicating a Woodland period site. Forty-two lithic and pottery fragments were recovered from excavated layers. Impact from road construction and flood control was evident. No features or discrete cultural horizons were identified in the Phase II test units. The water table was encountered approximately 70 centimeters (2.3 ft) below ground surface, below identified cultural deposits. Based on the Phase II testing, New South Associates recommends that the portion of the site within the study corridor does not contribute to the site's NRHP eligibility under Criterion D.