Phase II Archaeological Testing for the Proposed Shoal Creek Reservoir, Henry County, Georgia

This report documents Phase II cultural resources testing of the proposed Shoal Creek Reservoir in Henry County, Georgia, by Garrow & Associates, Inc., for the Clayton County Water Authority. Six prehistoric sites (9HY95, 9HY98, 9HY100, 9HY102, 9HY104, and 9HY105) previously identified as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) were tested and evaluated. Sites 9HY95, 9HY98, and 9HY104 are recommended eligible for the NRHP. Site 9HY95 is a multicomponent Middle to Late Archaic and Middle to Late Woodland occupation. Components at 9HY98 indicate both Middle to Late Archaic and Early Mississippian occupation. Site 9HY104 represents an Early Mississippian occupation. Testing results indicate these sites have intact cultural deposits with the potential to make a significant contribution to our understanding of the cultural history of the Georgia Piedmont and the Shoal Creek drainage area in particular. Site 9HY100 has been completely destroyed since its initial identification in 1992. Phase II investigations determined that both 9HY102 and 9HY105 are located within the buffer zone (outside of the proposed area of adverse effect) and will not be impacted by inundation; both sites continue to be recommended potentially eligible for the NRHP. Because preservation is not feasible, data recovery excavations are deemed appropriate for the three sites recommended eligible for nomination to the NRHP. Data recovery plans are presented in Chapter XI.