Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Alternate Routes for the Thompson Bypass, McDuffie County, Georgia Addendum

On April 17 and 29, 1998, New South Associates conducted field work for the archaeological survey of alternate segments for the Thomson Bypass. These segments, totaling approximately 2.3 miles (3.7 km) of new alignment, will accomplish the straightening of curves along the bypass. The longest segment, approximately 1.6 miles (2.6 km) begins at State Highway 223 and extends south to Rock House Road. The second segment, approximately 0.7 mile (1.1 km) begins on a ridge spur south of Mattox Creek and extends south to an unnamed dirt road that intersects with Mesena Road. An additional .33 mile (.53 km) of 100 foot corridor was surveyed along existing right-of-way on Wire Road. The Principal Investigator for the survey was J. W. Joseph. Lisa O'Steen was the project Field Director and authored the report. Graphics were completed by Tracey Fedor. The project area is located in the Piedmont physiographic region. The topography is characterized by gently sloping ridgetops and moderately steep hillsides with Appling, Cecil, Georgeville, Grover, Madison and Wedowee soils predominating. The Ogeechee River, the Little River, the Savannah River and their tributaries drain the area. Vegetation includes post, white, black and blackjack oak, hickory, loblolly, pitch and shortleaf pines. The northernmost segment passed through an abandoned peach orchard. Summers are long and hot, while winters are fairly short and cool. The averagae summer temperature is 79 degrees and the average winter temperature is 47 degrees. The county receives fairly heavy precipitation throughout the year (Hamby 1994:4). Since the alternate routes differ from the original route by less than 1000 feet (300 m), the cultural overviews for McDuffie County in the original Conway Bypass report provide the necessary background for this study. The site files research for the original project also included the area encompassed by the alternate routes (Hamby 1994:5-16). The field survey involved systematic shovel testing of the new sections at 30 meter intervals along parallel transects within the 100 foot (30 m) right-of-way. Shovel testing was conducted in areas with limited ground surface exposure and with less than 10 percent slope. In areas with good surface exposure, steep slopes, and disturbed ground, a surface inspection was conducted for surface artifacts and above-ground features such as chimneys or house piers. All shovel tests were excavated by hand, and measured 30 centimeters in diameter. All soil from shovel tests was screened through 1/4 inch wire mesh to aid in artifact recovery. Notes were made on the project map concerning the soils, vegetation, and amount and type of development within the project right-of-way.