Investigation and Evaluation of the Savannah & Southern Railroad, the Dunlevie Tramlines, and Other Associated Tram Lines at Fort Stewart

In order to comply with Sec. 106 & 110 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA),- Ft. Stewart initiated a survey of all known and suspected railroads and tramlines on Fort Stewart. Previously, small portions of the various rail beds had been recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP until a formal evaluation had been conducted. Initially, it was anticipated that approximately 94 kilometers of rail beds would require examination. In order to evaluate the rail beds, historic map and document research was conducted as well as a pedestrian survey of the rail beds themselves. As part of the pedestrian survey, the condition of the various rail beds were noted, GPS'd, and representative photographs were taken along the way. As a result of the historic map and document research, two main railroad companies were associated with lands on Ft. Stewart ... the Savannah & Southern Railroad and the Dunlevie Tramlines. In addition to these two companies, other tramlines were found to have existed on Ft. Stewart. However, due to their ephemeral nature, their direct association with the two main companies proved to be inconclusive. Through the formal evaluation of the rail beds, it is the opinion of Ft. Stewart that the Savannah & Southern Railroad, the Dunlevie Tram lines, and other associated tram lines on Fort Stewart are ineligible for the NRHP. It was determined that the overall integrity and continuity of setting have been significantly altered over the past 80 years. The main characteristics of the rail beds surveyed are both their linear feature and continued use as a transportation route. Forty-five percent of the rail beds surveyed were found to have been, and continue to be, maintained as active vehicle trails. Although unnecessary from a management standpoint, the aspect of current usage as a transportation route further enhances their preservation. However, well preserved portions might be set aside, which could provide an example of the various forms of railroad construction in the Late 19th and Early 20th century within southeast Georgia. Since the least disturbed portions of the rail beds tend to occur within wetland environments, it is suggested that 9LI1256 should be set aside as a representative example. Since these portions of the former railroads experience some protection from development due to their association with wetlands, these portions of the railroads are least likely to be impacted by military training or impact military training directly.