Archeological Survey of a Portion of the Sweet Hill Subdivision, Bryan County, Georgia

In preparation for development of the Sweet Hill Subdivision along State Route (SR) 144 8.5 miles east of Richmond Hill in Bryan County, Georgia (Figure 1), Mr. Charles L. Stafford required a Phase I archeological assessment of the 19.5-acre tract. Southeastern Archeological Services conducted an intensive archeological survey of the area of potential effect (APE) for this project to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. Survey included archival and field research. Archival research revealed the likely presence of a Mississippian period site constellation in the general vicinity, with one part of a potentially associated shell scatter near the project area. Archeological field research revealed three sites in the project area. All three of these sites are sparse artifact deposits, limited to the disturbed plowzone. Artifacts recovered include prehistoric Late Mississippian (Irene), Early Mississippian (St. Catherine's), and historic artifacts from the 18th to 20th centuries. These data confirm the dating of substantial prehistoric activities near the project area to the Irene and St. Catherine's phases of the Mississippian period. However, none of the sites reflect the intensive activity (i.e., dense shell midden) anticipated for a frequently or intensively used site. Due to their sparse, shallow nature, the sites are all recommended as ineligible to the National Register of Historic Places. Any information they may yield relevant to archeological research is believed to have been documented by this investigation. No further archeological work is suggested at the sites. Because no archeological sites eligible to the National Register were located in the project area, we recommend the proposed development would not create any adverse effect to significant archeological resources. Notwithstanding other considerations, we recommend the project be allowed to proceed as planned.