Archaeological Survey and Site Evaluation of the Plant McIntosh Combined Cycle Facility Tract, Effingham County, Georgia

Archaeological investigations of the Plant McIntosh Combined Cycle Facility Tract were conducted in two phases. In July 1991, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted Phase I archaeological survey of a 63 acre tract near Savannah Electric and Power Company's Plant McIntosh (Effingham County, Georgia), under a contract with Georgia Power Company. During these investigations, two archaeological sites were recorded within the project tract (Gardner 1991). Site 9EF188 was documented as a historic surface and subsurface artifact scatter representing an early to late nineteenth century domestic occupation. A second historic domestic site, 9EF 189, was occupied during the late eighteenth through the early nineteenth century. Both sites were recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) for their potential to contribute to knowledge of changing settlement and agricultural economy in the area. The report author also recommended avoidance of these sites during construction and operation of the proposed development. The Georgia State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) reviewed and provided technical comments on the report of investigations in October 1991. Specifically, the SHPO stated that they "cannot agree that sites 9Ef189 and 9Efl 88 are eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. . . [because] their potential to yield information important in history is not demonstrated" (October 10, 1991 letter from Elizabeth A. Lyons [SHPO] to Ann Foskey [Georgia Power Land Department]). On October 21, 1991, Ms. Ann Foskey (Georgia Power Land Department) responded to the SHPO that an alternative site for the proposed development had been chosen, but "should any future plans include use of [this 63 acre tract], all of the comments... will be addressed" (October 21, 1991, letter from Ann Foskey [Georgia Power Land Department to Elizabeth A. Lyons [SHPO]). In January 2001, Georgia Power contracted with Brockington and Associates, Inc., to conduct Phase II archaeological evaluation of these sites. These investigations were recommended to address the SHPO's technical comments, as the surrounding tract was proposed for construction of a combined cycle facility. This report provides summary data on Phase I archaeological survey and detailed information on methods and results of Phase II site testing. Phase II investigations at these sites provided sufficient data to evaluate their NRHP eligibility. Site 9EF 189 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. This site consists of a diffuse scatter of historic artifacts, dating from the late eighteenth century to the early twentieth century, with no evidence of intact deposits or features. No additional archaeological investigations should be required at this site and archaeological clearance is recommended. Site 9EF 188 is recommended eligible for the NRHP under Criterion D, at the local level of significance. This site includes artifacts and features dating from the early to late nineteenth century. In addition to a generalized artifact scatter, the site includes a house pad with associated architectural artifacts and a well or privy pit. Despite evidence of silvicultural disturbance, this site retains integrity of location and association. According to design plans, site 9EF 188 is within the area of potential effect (APE) of the proposed combined cycle facility. Construction of this facility will have a direct adverse effect on this site. If this site cannot be avoided and protected during proposed development and subsequent operation of the facility, Phase III archaeological investigations should be conducted to recover significant data from the site.