Archaeological Investigations at the Gertrude Shell Midden Site, 9BK14, Burke County, Georgia.

This study was proposed and funded by the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns in coordination with State Archaeologist, Dr. David Crass, and the Historic Preservation Division of the Georgia Department of Natural Resources. Much of the planning and coordination of the field investigations was conducted by Thomas H. Gresham, archaeologist with the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns. The interest and concern of Mr. Robert Johnston, the owner of the property, was instrumental in the successful implementation of this project. Mr. Johnston, and Jack Cooper, the long time caretaker of the property, detailed the history of the farm, pointed out the locations of known archaeological resources, and provided information on some of the individuals associated with the site during the middle part of the twentieth century. The field work was conducted by archaeologists from the private sector, the Historic Preservation Division, the University of Georgia's Department of Anthropology, and the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns. Mr. Gresham's field crew of archaeologists included Gisela Weis-Gresham, Jennifer Bedell, Ron Schoettmer, and Jared Wood, and the authors of this report. DNR Ranger Jeff Billips also assisted in the field and provided valuable support throughout the field investigations. Site restoration was conducted by heavy equipment operator, Jason Blackburn. Members of the Georgia Council on American Indian Concerns conducted several aspects of the project. A reburial ceremony was conducted on site by Ralph and Francis Crews. Dr. Maria Teresa A. Tersigni-Tarrant, forensic anthropologist at that time for the council, was responsible for the initial identification of human remains on the site. Nealie McCormick was the chairman of the Council at that time. Dr. Marilyn McGaughey was a strong advocate for the protection and restoration of the site and the production of this report. The authors relied on the assistance of professional and avocational archaeologists and people who were knowledgeable of local history. The time and effort provided by our colleagues is greatly appreciated. Professional archaeologists from academic institutions, state and federal agencies, and consulting firms provided information necessary for the completion of the report. We attempted to examine as many sources of information as possible and we apologize for any omissions. Appreciation is expressed to the many archaeologists from Georgia and nearby states who shared their research and offered numerous insights and advice. Particular thanks is expressed to Frankie Snow who provided critical comparative information for Late Archaic shell midden sites in the area. Mark Williams, director of the Georgia Archaeological Site Files, provided complete access to the files and collections and offered first hand knowledge, specifically with respect to Dr. A.R. Kelly's work in the area. Some of the earliest information about the site was researched by Audrey Trauner with the Southeastern Archeological Center in Tallahassee, Florida. Thanks to Dan Elliott for his encouragement, his comments on Late Archaic research, and for sharing his historical research on Roland Steiner and Jonathan McGlashan. Appreciation is also given to Scott Jones, who provided a number of important comments on lithic technology and lithic resources related to the site. Our colleagues at Southeastern Archaeological Services, in particular Tom Gresham, Chad Braley, Joel Jones, Kathy Mulchrone, Rob Benson, Gail Tarver, and KC Graham, should be acknowledged for their support and encouragement during the course of the project. Appreciation is also expressed to KC Graham for the final editing of the report. Special appreciation is expressed to Dr. Ken Sassaman, who provided particularly valuable support during the course of this study. Dr. Sassaman freely shared the results of his research, both published and unpublished, concerning his previous work on Ogeechee River shell middens. He also provided encouragement for our continued research. Gratitude is expressed to the late Jamie Waggoner for his previous work related to the thermal properties of Late Archaic cooking vessels. Jamie's research with Late Archaic pottery was discussed in depth with the senior author in the years immediately preceding this project and many of his ideas are included in this report. Because so little professional investigation has been conducted on the Ogeechee River shell midden sites, avocational archaeologists proved to be a critical source of information. Members of both the Society of Georgia Archaeology and the Peach State Archaeological Society, and a few people not associated with either group, were consulted and valuable information was procured. Special thanks go to Danny Greenway, Doug Tarver, and Steven Beasley. John Whatley and John Arena provided valuable assistance with respect to their knowledge of the local projectile point sequences.