Cultural Resource Survey for an Area of Proposed Drainage Facilities Along U.S. 27 in Walker County, Georgia

On June 8 2009, TRC conducted a cultural resource survey for a parcel less than 10 acres on the southeast side of the new U.S. 27 near the Walker-Catoosa county line. The land is owned in fee by TVA and was purchased for a planned rail line, which is no longer planned. The parcel lies along a tributary of Black Branch on the west side of Fort Oglethorpe. Because the new highway (U.S. 27/Frank M. Gleason Parkway) has drainage problems, the Georgia Department of Transportation intends to clear vegetation from the area, grade, excavate, and possibly construct a retention pond. ARCHAEOLOGICAL SURVEY: Background research was conducted prior to the archaeological survey, and no previously recorded archaeological sites were identified within a 1-mile radius of the project corridor. The closest known site (9WA164) is approximately 2 miles west of the project area. The archaeological field survey was accomplished by pedestrian coverage of the entire project area. No new archaeological sites were encountered. HISTORIC STRUCTURES SURVEY: The historic structures survey began with a literature and records search prior to the fieldwork. This search ascertained whether any previously recorded historic resources were located in or adjacent to the study area, as well as what type of resources might be expected in the study area. Previous architectural surveys and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) listings and pending nominations were examined at the offices of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division, in Atlanta. Twenty-three previously recorded resources were identified within a 0.5-mile radius of the project, including the NRHP-listed Fort Oglethorpe Historic District (NRHP #79000702). The historic architecture survey consisted of pedestrian and vehicular reconnaissance of the project's Area of Potential Effects (APE). The APE was defined as the area in which the proposed project would physically or visually affect any historic architectural resources. One previously recorded resource (CT-F0-137), located 175-feet north of the project area, has been demolished. Due to topography and vegetation, the 22 other previously recorded resources were determined to be out of the visual APE. The northwest corner of the Fort Oglethorpe Historic District contains a contributing landscape of deciduous and evergreen trees which intentionally screens the modern intrusions including the project area from the NRHP-listed district. Two additional resources were identified in the project's APE during the current survey: remains of a rail bed and a cemetery. The properties date from circa ca. 1902 and ca. 1940, respectively. In accordance with 36 CFR 60.4, both of the resources are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. The remnants of the spur of the former Central of Georgia Railroad (HR-1), which originally led to the commissary (CT-F0-157) located within the Fort Oglethorpe Historic District, is located in the project area and travels east to the commissary building. It has been mostly leveled, covered with gravel, and the rails and ties removed, thus compromising the resource's integrity. Furthermore, all of the nine rail-related buildings have been demolished and the support facility buildings of the fort have been heavily altered, compromising the integrity of association, feeling, and setting. Already removed at the time of the NRHP nomination, the rail line lacked the integrity to be considered a contributing resource of the Fort Oglethorpe Historic District and was intentionally excluded from the NRHP boundary. The second resource, a small cemetery (HR-2) is located approximately 50 feet south of the project area. The cemetery does not derive its primary importance from graves of persons of transcendent importance, from age, from distinctive design features, nor from association with historic events. Therefore it is considered not eligible for the NRHP. TRC recommends no further consideration of the NHHP listed Fort Oglethorpe Historic District (NRHP #79000702), the 22 previously recorded resources, and the two newly recorded resources in the APE in advance of the proposed undertaking. SUMMARY: Based on the findings discussed above, TRC recommends no further cultural resource investigations in advance of the proposed project.