Cultural Resource Suvey for the Clearwater Property, Macon County

ERT was requested by The Buckeye Cellulose Corporation, a wholly owned subsidiary of The Procter & Gamble Company, to evaluate the cultural resources on a section of land approximately two miles south of Oglethorpe, Georgia (see Figures 1-1, 1-2 and 1-3). This report describes ERT's survey work and provides an assessment of the potential for impact of the general site development on both archaeological and historic resources contained on or near this property. Two field surveys were conducted on the site, a preliminary Reconnaissance.Survey and a more Intensive Survey as part of the assessment program. The Reconnaissance Survey field work was conducted from May 3 through May 6, 1977, by the following ERT staff: Dr. Jeffrey C. Howry (Senior Staff Archaeologist/Anthropologist), Mr. Robert J. Holzheimer (Senior Planner) and Mr. Michael O. Molley (Senior Staff Ecologist). ERT's initial Reconnaissance Survey showed that certain archaeological and historic features warranted further investigation before a thorough assessment of their potential could be made. This opinion was also shared by persons associated with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office, Office of the State Archaeologist and other experts at the University of Georgia. Dr. Howry provided the required technical expertise and directed site survey work. On May 5, Dr. Howry was assisted by Ms. Sharon I. Goad, an archaeologist from the Department of Anthropology, University of Georgia, Athens, Georgia, for the Reconnaissance Survey. The Intensive Survey was based on information developed from the Reconnaissance Survey and in consultation with the State Archaeologist of State Historic Preservation Office. The field work for the Intensive Survey was conducted by Dr. Howry from June 9 through June 14. Ms. Goad again assisted in the archaeological phase of the field work from June 9 through June 11. The following conclusions are included in this report. 1) State archaeological files indicate no known sites exist within the Clearview property. The closest reported site is located 1.5 miles south of the Clearview property. 2) Six archaeological sites were found within the boundaries of the Clearview property. All are in close proximity to surface water on the site. The greatest concentrations of prehistoric materials were recovered from the lower portions of Goose Creek, where four of the sites are located. The extent of the sites was defined by surface collection and supplementary test excavation. However, the excavations disclosed no stratigraphic deposits. No evidence was found for habitation floors related to extended periods of occupation. No structures (mound sites) or related residence features (village sites including hearths or post molds) were encountered. 3) No National Register Sites or nominated sites exist on the Clearview property. The closest such site is Andersonville National Monument, approximately 4.5 miles south of the Clearview property. There appears to be no relationship between the Clearview property or properties surrounding it and the historic events or persons associated with Andersonville National Monument. 4) Only one structure of possible local historic significance exists on or near the Clearview property. 5) Recommendations regarding the archaeological and historic resources are presented in Sections 3.7 and 4.5.