Archaeological Resources Survey of the Bush Road Development

On February 19th through 20th, 2007, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an intensive archaeological resources survey of the Bush Road Property near Savannah, Chatham County, Georgia. The survey tract consisted of approximately 67 acres situated about 5.8 km (3.6 miles) southwest of the 1-16/I-95 interchange. This investigation was carried out for Bluewater Properties of GA, Inc. and was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and 36 CFR Part 800, by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A. Background research found four previously recorded archaeological sites (9CH688, 9CH771, 9CH772, and 9CH940) within a 1.6 km (1 mile) radius of the project tract. Site 9CH688 is the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal; which lies very close to the southern edge of the property. The site is a long linear feature with varying states of preservation. Most recently, New South Associates, Inc. (Joseph et al. 2000) evaluated it in detail; and the site is listed on the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Sites 9CH771 and 9CH772 were originally recorded in 1984 as part of a Georgia Power transmission line survey. They consist of one small undated prehistoric artifact scatter (9CH771) and one small mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century artifact scatter (9CH772). Neither site was recommended NRHP-eligible. Site 9CH940 was recorded at the time of New South's evaluation and survey of portions of the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal (Joseph et al. 2000). It represents the probable location of a nineteenth century occupation and was recommended potentially NRHP-eligible. During this project 172 screened shovel tests were spaced at 30 meter ( 100 ft) intervals along 19 transects placed throughout the tract according to landforms, wetlands, and disturbance patterns. A visual inspection of all exposed ground surfaces was also conducted. One previously unrecorded archaeological site was identified (9CH1164). Site 9CH1164 is a very small scatter of late nineteenth to mid-twentieth century artifacts (including stoneware, glass, and a few brick fragments: Appendix A). There is a small cinder block foundation (probably early to mid twentieth century) in the dirt road leading from the earthen crossing of the canal into the interior of the tract, which may be related to the artifact scatter. The site does not appear to be related to the construction or operation of the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal; it is much later in time. Instead, the site was probably an early to mid-twentieth century dwelling or farmstead. The locale appears to have been heavily disturbed from grading, erosion, and clearcutting and there is little or no potential for intact subsurface features. We recommend Site 9CH 1164 not eligible for nomination to the NRHP, and therefore no additional investigation is warranted (see Appendix B for the full site form). The Savannah-Ogeechee Canal (9CH688) lies adjacent to the project tract. This portion of the canal does not have a defmed historic landscape related to its NRHP-listing; though New South suggests that in the western portions, the "relatively undeveloped areas are suggestive of historic landscapes along the canal" (Joseph et al. 2000:i). However, none of the locks or other features identified by New South are situated within the vicinity of the project tract, and no archaeological remains were identified that may be associated with structures or features related to the operation of the canal. Currently a berm exists between the canal and the project tract (probably the channel spoil associated with the original construction), and it is not anticipated that any functional alteration of the canal itself will occur. Appendix C (letter to Mark Padgett dated 1/30/07) summarizes the nature of the undertaking and its relationship to the Savannah-Ogeechee Canal. An earthen crossing of the canal already exists opposite Site 9CH1164; and is probably related to that occupation. As an archaeological element, Site 9CH688's integrity is associated with the intact operational features, or with good clean cross-sections indicating the nature of its construction (none of which occur at this locality). As for setting, the project tract is not suggestive of an appropriate historic landscape, and none has been defined for this area. The visual effects on the canal are addressed in Appendix C. Therefore we recommend that no adverse effects on Site 9CH688 will occur. We recommend that no additional archaeological resources investigations need be carried out at this locality.