Phase I Archaeological Survey of the SR 45 Bridge Replacements at Cordray's Mill, Calhoun County, Georgia

Two bridges (Structures 037-0015-0 and 037-0016-0) are planned for replacement on SR 45 at Cordray's Pond between Mileposts 16.52 and 17.30 in Calhoun County, Georgia (GDOT PI No. 0009862, HP# 110531-008). New South Associates completed a Phase I Archaeological Survey of the bridge replacements in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800) to determine the presence of significant archaeological resources in the project's area of potential effect (APE). The APE is an approximately 4,800 feet long corridor. The corridor includes the existing 100-foot wide right-of-way (ROW) and areas possessing 20 feet of new ROW. An extended survey corridor (ESC) measuring 100 feet beyond the APE was also surveyed. The Phase I Archaeological Survey of SR 45 over Cordray's Mill identified one site (9CU179). The artifacts associated with the site reflect the razing of recreational buildings active during the twentieth century. Artifacts were recovered from disturbed soils. Additionally, remains of Cordray's Mill were noted in the creek floodplain but were disarticulated as a result of intense flooding episodes in the 1990s. In addition, a non-diagnostic pre-contact component exists within the site. The portion of the site examined within the APE/ESC was evaluated for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) under Criterion D to specifically address the site's data potential. The Phase I study determined the portion of the site in the project area lacks research potential and therefore does not contribute any archaeological significance the site might have. Though the portion of the Site 9CU179 found within the survey corridor does not contribute to the site's eligibility, its overall status for the NRHP remains unknown. Survey of the site was confined to the ESC boundary, and the extent of the site beyond the ESC remains undefined. Any changes to the design resulting in impact outside of the survey area will require additional survey. New South Associates recommends that an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) be established, and a letter will be provided to that effect. No further work is recommended to satisfy Section 106 requirements and the planned undertaking may proceed upon concurrence from reviewing agencies.