Phase I Intensive Survey of Shell Midden 1 (9Cam206), Kings Bay, Georgia

Site 9CAM206, labeled Shell Midden #1 in the Scop is located in a proposed dredge spoil disposal area at Naval Submarine Support Base. Because of the site's within a planted pine forest away from the marsh b (Fig 1), it remained undiscovered during earlier testing projects conducted by the University of Florida.1981; Smith 1978). Clearing away pine trees in 1981, however, exposed the midden to view and it was by Or. Lewis Larson in December during an inspection nearby sites. A single prehistoric pottery sherd marked) was found at that time, indicating aboriginal occupation. A closer surface inspection of 9CAM206 revealed it consist of a shell concentration (about 4x9 m) surrounded on east and south by other smaller shell concentrations (Fig.2). To the West a ditch and an unimproved road have removed. an unknown portion of the site area, as evidenced by the scatter of shell along the ditch. Within and between the shell concentrations were stumps of recently cut trees in rows. Considerable disturbance of the site was expected due to road construction, pine planting, and clearing activity, but the site potentially had undisturbed submidden features. A Phase I test excavation was planned for the site in order to determine whether it is potentially eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places, and if so to determine the appropriate level of effort for further work. For a discussion of the history and prehistory of the Kings Bay Locality the Phase II report contains detailed discussions beyond the level of effort for this survey report (Smith et al. 1981).