Phase II Investigations of 24 Sites (9CE68, 9CE145, 9CE207, 9CE223, 9CE232, 9CE331, 9CE452, 9CE527, 9CE530, 9CE541, 9CE542, 9CE550, 9CE554, 9CE691, 9CE1409, 9CE1435, 9CE1603, 9CE1964, 9CE1970, 9ME483, 9ME750, 1RU24, 1RU99, and 1RU105) For Fort Benning

Under a continuing services contract with the U.S. Army Infantry Center, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Fort Benning Military Reservation, Panamerican Consultants, Inc. (PCI) conducted a series of Phase II archaeological investigations at 24 sites within the reservation. The objective of this testing was to evaluate each site to determine its eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and to make recommendations for future archaeological investigations. All work was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended; Executive Order 11593 (Protecting and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment); and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974. A total of24 sites (9CE68, 9CE145, 9CE207, 9CE223, 9CE232, 9CE331 , 9CE452, 9CE527, 9CE530,9CE541, 9CE542, 9CE550, 9CE554, 9CE691, 9CEI409/9CE2610, 9CEI435, 9CE1603, 9CE1964, 9CE1970,9ME483, 9ME750, IRU24, IRU99, and IRU105) were investigated during the Phase II surveys. Multiple components were recorded during the investigations ranging from Early Archaic to the twentieth century. Eleven of the sites (9CE68, 9CE223, 9CE331, 9CE530, 9CE542, 9CE691 , 9ME483, 9ME750, 1RU24,1RU99, and IRUI05) are recommended as eligible for inclusion into the NRHP. These sites have either intact features, stratigraphic integrity, historic cemeteries, and/or will enhance the cultural history of the region. Each of these sites need protective measures taken so further disturbances will not deplete their integrity. The cemetery site (9ME750) should have the fencing expanded to encompass additional burials that are not contained within the existing fence. While investigating a mill dam site (9CE1409), a second mill dam was found nearby. This previously unrecorded site (9CE261 0) was recorded and tested at the Phase II level. Another site, which may be the associated mill, was discovered between the two mill dam sites. This site was unrecorded with the state of Georgia, but has a field site number of 052-2 given by Goodwin and Associates. These three sites, taken together, may represent a mill complex. Site 052-2 is slated for Phase II work in 2010, when the complex can then be evaluated for the NRHP. For now, Sites 9CE1409 and 9CE2610 are indeterminate for the NRHP pending further work at Site 052-2. The remaining 12 sites are recommended ineligible for inclusion in the NRHP and require no further archaeological investigations. These sites have been destroyed or heavily disturbed by previous land use and natural activities.