Phase 1 Cultural Resources Survey and Phase 2 Arcaheological Testing of the Ratcliffe Tract

Between 27 and 31 July 2009, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted an intensive Phase I cultural resources survey of the proposed Ratcliffe residential development tract in Glynn County, Georgia. Phase II testing investigations at one of the sites (9GN354) identified during the Phase I cultural resources survey was later conducted between 26 and 30 October 2009. These investigations were carried out on behalf of Resource and Land Consultants, in partial fulfillment of guidelines established by Section 404 of the Clean Water Act, by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61. The 849.95-acre project tract is located west of US Interstate 95, north of US Highway 82, and south of Turtle River. Approximately 208 acres of the tract are located on eight upland islands. The remaining 641.95 acres consist of designated wetland areas, composed primarily of tidal brackish marshes and creeks. Background research was used to identify cultural resources within one mile of the project tract, as well as within the project's area of potential effect (APE). Subsequent field survey was conducted to identify potentially significant cultural resources within the APE. Background research conducted on NAHRGIS identified three previously recorded archaeological sites within one mile of the project tract, and no previously recorded archaeological sites or historic structures within the APE for the proposed development. The field survey identified and recorded four previously unknown archaeological sites (9GN353, 9GN354, 9GN355, and 9GN356), and six isolated finds (Isolates 1-6). Isolated finds are generally regarded as ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Site 9GN353 is a small prehistoric artifact scatter, 9GN355 a small shell midden within which no artifacts were recovered, and 9GN356 consists of the remains of a twentieth century moonshine still These three sites are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. No further management considerations are necessary for 9GN353, 9GN355, 9GN356, or the six isolated finds. Site 9GN354 is a relatively large prehistoric artifact scatter consisting of ceramics found as deep as 60 centimeters below ground surface (cmbs). Additional testing investigations conducted at 9GN354 included additional shovel testing at 15-meter intervals and the excavation of six, 1-by-1 meter test units. During the additional investigations, two cultural features (possibly earthen mounds) were identified. One of these possible mounds contained abundant marine shell, diagnostic dating to the Contact period, and a number of human skeletal fragments. One of the possible mounds and most of the diagnostic material from 9GN354 dates to the Contact period. Other time periods represented at the site (including the Ceramic Late Archaic, Early-Middle Woodland, and Mississippian) are not of sufficient size or integrity to have the potential to answer any research questions beyond basic questions of chronology and site function We recommend 9GN354 eligible for the NRHP due to its research potential regarding Contactperiod lifeways along the south Georgia coast. Based on our current investigation, we recommend that the site be preserved in place. Ground-disturbing activities within the boundary of the site will have adverse effects and should be avoided. We recommend that a Memorandum of Agreement (MOA) be formed among the owner/ developer, SHPO, and USACE. If preservation of the site is not possible, a treatment plan for mitigating adverse effects to the site should be submitted to USACE and SHPO and implemented prior to ground-disturbing activities.