Phase I and II Archaeological Surveys Ogeechee River Bridge Replacements

Phase I and Phase II archaeological surveys were conducted for the Ogeechee River Bridge Replacement Project in Jenkins County, Georgia. The proposed project involves the replacement of two bridges, one that carries CR 191 across the main channel of the Ogeechee River (BRSLB1320 (4)) and one that carries CR 191 across an overflow channel (BRSLB-1320 (3)). The project lies within the Coastal Plain Physiographic Province of east-central Georgia. The Ogeechee River flows in a southeasterly direction through the Coastal Plain to the Atlantic Ocean. The APE for the bridge across the Ogeechee River overflow extended 150 m along the road from each end of the bridge and 45 m to either side of the roadway center line, encompassing a total area of 34,290 m2. The Phase I survey, conducted in March 2007, involved the excavation of 31 shovel tests in two transects along either side of the road. The subsurface tests for the overflow bridge revealed the one prehistoric site, designated 9JS89. The site was represented by six artifacts found in two adjacent shovel tests. Because of the low artifact density within the APE, the site did not have the potential to contain significant information. No additional archaeological work was conducted for the Ogeechee River overflow bridge. The APE for the main channel extended 305 m along the road from the north end of bridge and 152.5 m from the south end of the bridge, encompassing a total area of 65,700 m2. Phase I survey was conducted in July 2007. The Phase I archaeological survey for the main channel bridge resulted in the identification of two prehistoric sites, designated 9JS91 and 9JS92. The latter site is a bedrock source of brown Coastal Plain chert. Phase II survey was conducted at Sites 9JS91 and 9JS92 in May 2008. Fieldwork at Site 9JS91 involved the excavation of two 1 x 2 m and one 1 x 1 m test units. The vertical distribution of diagnostic artifacts indicated that the site was stratified with occupations dating to the Mississippian, Late Woodland, Early Woodland, and Late Archaic periods. The Mississippian occupations were interpreted as one or more temporary camps associated with a lithic outcrop and thus represent a relatively rare site type. The other components were also interpreted as quarry-related camps or reduction stations. The site contains information to address research issues relevant to prehistoric settlement strategies and lithic procurement and is recommended as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D. A historic component, represented by chronologically non-diagnostic artifacts and a bum pit, was also identified at 9JS91 but does not contain significant information and does not contribute to the eligibility of the site. Fieldwork at Site 9JS92 involved the excavation of 13 additional STPs and two 1 m x 1 m test units. The majority of the artifacts were found in the Ap or E horizon. Artifact densities were highest in the southeast comer of the site where the outcropping chert was nearest the surface. No ceramics or formal tools were recovered from the site. Expedient tools such as retouched flakes were present in minor amounts. The site represents the quarried source of lithic material utilized by the occupants of 9JS91. Site 9JS92 contains information to address research issues relevant to prehistoric lithic procurement and is recommended as eligible for the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D.