The Partnership for Response & Recovery (PARR) has conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of the Albany State College relocation site, located in Dougherty County, Georgia. Because the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) will provide assistance for the relocation, this study was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act and other Federal regulations that require consideration of the effects of Federal undertakings on cultural resources. Site 9DU22, was previously recorded within the relocation site prior to the present study. The site was described as one associated with a general prehistoric occupation, but no date range of occupation was known. Phase I field investigations included surface survey of exposed ground surfaces, shovel testing in areas with poor surface visibility, and excavation of two test excavation units at either end of the inland dune. Survey results indicate that the project area contains only site 9DU22, but that it is larger than first estimates, occupying virtually the entire project area including an inland dune and surrounding parcels. Diagnostic artifacts, recovered during the survey, indicate that the site was occupied during the Farly and Middle Archaic periods, approximately 7500 to 5400 B.C. Information gained from this study indicates that site 9DU22 is a recognizable prehistoric site consisting primarily of a widespread lithic scatter. This site, however, has suffered severe negative impacts from gravel and sand mining operations, sewer line construction, recreational use, and recent development. These activities have impacted the site to the point that it retains little integrity. Due to the numerous negative impacts, site 9DU22 lacks sufficient integrity to be considered eligible for inclusion on the National Register of Historic Places, and additional archaeological investigation would not provide significantly more data than has been recovered to date. Therefore, no additional archaeological investigations are recommended for the Albany State College relocation site.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.