Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Louisville and Greyhound sites for the Proposed Chatham area Transit (CAT) Transfer Center, Savannah, Georgia

This report describes the field and laboratory methods and the results of a Phase I archaeological survey conducted for Chatham Area Transit (CAT) on two prospective sites for the proposed CAT Transfer Center, which are the Louisville and Greyhound sites in Savannah, Georgia. The Archaeological area of potential effect (APE) for this project consists of the Greyhound APE (site #1) - bounded by Oglethorpe Avenue, Fahm Street, York Street, and Ann Street, and the Louisville APE (site #3) - located on the corner of Louisville Road and Boundary Street. In addition, the Savannah and Ogeechee Canal is located near the eastern edge of the Louisville APE. Both sites are located in downtown Savannah. A total of 6.652 acres of the Archaeological APE was subjected to Phase I survey. Field conditions were favorable overall for the Louisville APE (4.33 acres), but not for the Greyhound APE (2.322 acres), as it was covered completely with both asphalt and the Greyhound terminal building. Some of the Louisville APE contained steep slopes which were the direct result of filling for construction of two railroad beds. However, there was an area of relatively level surface that was surveyed with shovel tests probes. The Phase I survey located no intact archaeological resources within the Louisville Archaeological APE. Instead, the survey encountered severe disturbance and alterations. It is likely that any prehistoric or historic cultural resources within the Archaeological APE, if any existed, have been lost to urban development. As a result, no further archaeological work is recommended for the Louisville APE (site #3). Because the Archaeological APE of the Greyhound site is completely paved, no archaeological investigation was performed at this time. With recent archaeological deposits (prehistoric and historic) discovered so near this area and the long history of occupation at the Archaeological APE, the potential for intact archaeological deposits does exist. If this site is chosen, then additional archaeological testing is recommended. This may involve the removal of the existing asphalt to permit trenching and block excavations which would allow for the investigation of the area prior to any further ground disturbing activities. This approach would allow for the evaluation (in consultation with the Georgia State Historic Preservation Office) of any deeply buried intact deposits that may be located. The Principal Investigator for the archaeological survey was Mr. Howard Beverly, RPA. Mr. Robert Ball, RPA, served as the Field Director. Field work took place from May 14 to 17, 2007. Field crew included Robert Ball, Lee Bryant, and Ann Wilkinson.