Phase II Archaeological Investigations At Site 9BR891, Bartow County, Georgia.

Between February 8 and February 15, 1999, TRC Garrow Associates, Inc., conducted Phase II archaeological investigations at site 9BR891 in Bartow County, Georgia, under contract with Qwest Communications Corporation. The archaeological evidence indicates that 9BR891 was occupied at least three times during the prehistoric period. The earliest occupation occurred on the levee along the Etowah River, in the form of a small, deeply buried lithic scatter of unknown age. This material is situated well below an Early Woodland component; therefore, it predates that occupation. Very dense deposits of Early Woodland (ca. 1000-300 B.C.) artifacts occur in the upper levels of the levee. The terrace adjacent to the levee contains archaeological remains that were probably deposited during a Late Woodland, Woodstock phase (ca. A.D. 700-1000) occupation. The spatial distribution of the Early Woodland and Late Woodland components appears to be horizontally distinct, representing two occupation zones that slightly overlap at the terracelevee interface. Dense cultural deposits and an intact cultural feature were encountered at 9BR891 during Phase II investigations, and TRC Garrow Associates recommends the site eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places. TRC suggests that the planned directional drilling be conducted on the terrace north of the site boundary in order to avoid negative impacts to the most significant and sensitive portions of this important cultural resource.