An Archeological Investigation of the Gainesville Flat Creek Water Treatment Facility

The area of the plant expansion and the area proposed for channelization along Flat Creek were traversed on foot and subsoil tests were made at frequent intervals in both areas. Areas of primary and possible secondary impact were included in the investigation. No archeological sites or materials were found within the possible impact areas. The National Register of Historic Places and the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Section files were consulted. No sites on or eligible to be placed on the National Register occur within the proposed construction areas, or within the zones of possible secondary effect. In accordance with the Archeological Survey's usual practices, the entire area surrounding the water treatment facility was given preliminary survey, beyond the primary and secondary impact areas. Two archeological sites were discovered, a review of past archeological research in the area was made, and the documentary historical sources were consulted in terms of local ethnohistory. This data, while not relating immediately to the present treatment facility expansion program, will be reported in detail for future reference. A deal of information was received on the Federal Road (after 1805; previously this route had been known as the Middle Cherokee Path) which traversed the area adjacent to, but not on, the present project. In addition to the cultural research, a botanical assessment and a soil profile were carried out and are included here. Under the terms of the letter of agreement from Robert and Company, all required research has been completed.