Phase II Archaeological testing of Site 9CK9 in the Proposed Canton Wal-Mart Tract, Cherokee County, Georgia

This report documents the findings of Garrow & Associates' Phase II archaeological testing of Site 9CK9, situated a short distance north of the Etowah River in central Cherokee County, Georgia. This site was first recorded by Robert Wauchope (1966) during his 1938-1940 survey, and was relocated by Stoops (1994) during a Phase I survey undertaken in advance of the proposed construction of a Wal-Mart near Canton. The present testing was conducted as a result of that survey, which confirmed the presence of a high-density lithic and ceramic scatter at this location. The Phase II testing at 9CK9 was carried out from December 5-13, 1994 under the direction of Thomas G. Lilly, Jr. The fieldwork included the excavation of 362 shovel test pits, four 1 x 1 m test units, and four machine-excavated strips totaling approximately 100 rn2. Shovel tests were excavated at 10 m intervals until the dusky red (2.5YR 3/3) clay subsoil was reached; this subsoil ranged in depth from 8 to 50 cm below the ground surface. The shovel tests encountered several cultural features and recovered artifacts ranging from the Middle Archaic period (ca. 6,000 to 2,800 B.C.) to a Historic Cherokee (ca. A.D. 1780 to 1800) occupation. The artifact and shovel test locational data were plotted to depict artifact concentrations, and these data were used to identify areas to receive additional investigation during the Phase II study. Four strips 2 min width were excavated to subsoil in order to determine if subsurface features were present. The machine stripping was restricted to areas that had been previously disturbed by plowing. The strips encountered three cultural features, including two dating to the Middle Woodland period. Concurrent with the stripping, four 1 x 1 m units were hand-excavated to investigate suspected features. Four additional features were encountered in the units, including intact Early to Middle Woodland deposits and a Historic Cherokee pit containing large amounts of Native American ceramic and lithic artifacts, floral and faunal remains, and late-eighteenth century Euro-Arnerican artifacts. The combined data from 9CK9 demonstrate the presence of substantial components dating to the Early to Middle Woodland period (Post-Kellogg and Cartersville phases), the Late Woodland to Early Mississippian period (Woodstock/Etowah phases), and the early Historic period (Cherokee). Less intensive occupations dating to the Middle Mississippian (Savannah/Wilbanks phase) and Late Mississippian (Lamar culture) periods were also found. The components retain their horizontal integrity and are associated with intact deposits and features. Analysis of archaeobotanical samples indicates the presence of a variety of plant remains, including several cultigens and possible cultigens associated with the Early to Middle Woodland and Cherokee components. Site 9CK9 is recommended as eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places under Criterion D at the state level of significance based on its potential to yield scientifically significant information. This site contains considerable information concerning the prehistoric and early historic period occupation of northern Georgia, and could serve as a laboratory to study changing subsistence adaptations, settlement organization, and material culture assemblages through time in the region.