Cultural Resources Survey and Evaluative Testing Proposed Cherokee County Raw Water Reservoir and Damn Site Dawson and Cherokee Counties, Georgia

In June 1988, and October/November 1989 Webb Diversified Consulting conducted an intensive coverage cultural resource survey of approximately hectares (330 acres) in Dawson and Cherokee Counties, Georgia. The project area is destined to become a raw drinking water reservoir for Cherokee Count and therefore requires a Corps of Engineers 404 permit. The permit dictates compliance with Section 106 of the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (Public Law 89-655; 80 STAT.915; 16 U.S.C. 470) as amended. A review of the state site files and the National Register of Historic Places revealed no previously recorded sites within the survey area. A review of historic maps and aerial photographs revealed 6 historic sites within the project area - 4 house sites and 2 19th century mill sites. The house site and 1 of the mill sites were relocated and are discussed in this report. The other mill (Blackburn's Mill) could not be relocated. Surface survey and shovel testing revealed 34 sites and 11 isolated finds ranging from prehistoric lithic scatters to early 20th century house and still sites. As a result of survey findings, the Upper Roberts Mill (CRW-12) has been recommended as "clearly eligible" for the National Register. Because CRW-1 will be adversely effected by the reservoir project, data recovery is recommended. After testing 7 sites during August and September of 1989, it was determined that 3 prehistoric sites (CRW-1-3, 16 and 23) have intact remains. They were recommended as being "clearly eligible" for the National Register Because they will be adversely effected by the reservoir project, data recovery is recommended. Cultural clearance is recommended for the remaining 30 sites.