Soapstone Ridge is a geological entity situated in southern DeKalb County, Georgia. Numerous Archaic steatite quarry and workshop sites have been located on the Ridge. Interstate 675 is being proposed to follow an, existing developed transportation corridor north-south across the Ridge. While such an action would normally conflict with archaeological resources, planning for I-675 has been accomplished in a manner conducive to the preservation of sites. A 140 acre tract on Soapstone Ridge is currently listed on the National Register of Historic Places. However, determinations of eligibility have not been requested for the entire Ridge or for any other sites on the Ridge. Data has not been developed which would allow for nomination, at this time, of the entire Ridge: the survey report concerning the archaeology on the Ridge has only indicated that the individual sites are eligible. The Department of Interior should be able, from the information presented herein, to assess the eligibility of the site (9Da69) to be impacted by 1-675. Although information on the Ridge is not exhaustive, sufficient data has been developed and is herein presented to insure that evaluation of the archaeology by DOI at this time, in conjunction with 1-675 planning, does not preclude future eligibility assessments.
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