Cultural Resources Survey for Toccoa River-Youngcane 161-kV Transmission Line, Fannin and Union Counties, Georgia

Between April and June of 2002, TRC conducted a cultural resources survey of the proposed TVA Toccoa River-Youngcane 161-kV transmission line, in Fannin and Union counties, Georgia. A small tract on the east side of the Toccoa River was also investigated; it is being considered as the location for an electrical substation. The transmission line will connect that facility with the Youngcane substation, which is already operating. Seven previously unrecorded archaeological sites (9FN335, 9FN336, 9FN337, 9FN338, 9FN339, 9FN340, and 9UN377) were discovered during the survey. Sites 9FN335 and 9FN339 were occupied at least once during the Woodland period. No diagnostic artifacts were recovered from the other sites, so the age of those occupations and the cultural identity of the occupants are unknown. Sites 9FN336, 9FN338, and 9FN339 are recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion D. We recommend that these sites be avoided during construction. If that is not feasible, Phase II testing will be required in order to determine their NRHP eligibility status. Sites 9FN335, 9FN337, 9FN340, and 9UN337 are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. In our opinion, additional archaeological investigations at these locations will not be necessary. Between May 7 and 9, 2002, TRC preservation planner Ted Karpynec conducted an architectural and historical assessment of above-ground buildings and structures within the project corridor and appeared to be a minimum of 50 years of age or that exhibited features of exceptional historical and/or architectural significance. Forty properties were identified within the project's APE as a result of this assessment.