Phase I Archaeological and Historical Resources Survey

Phase I cultural resource investigations of the proposed Federal Correctional Complex (FCC) site in Jesup, Georgia, consisted of: 1) background research into local and regional prehistory, history and ecology; 2) the development of expectations for cultural resources in the project area; 3) field survey and testing to determine if any archaeological sites are present; and 4) laboratory analysis and evaluation of findings. The purpose of the archival and background research was to determine if any known sites exist in the project area and to characterize the prehistoric and historic development of the area so that the potential for cultural resources could be evaluated. Background research was conducted at the University of Georgia Library in Athens; the Georgia Department of Archives and History in Atlanta; the Historic Preservation Section, Georgia. Department of Natural Resources, Atlanta; and the Archaeological Services Division, National Park Service, Atlanta. The state archaeological site files and maps were examined at the Department of Anthropology, universally of Georgia. Fieldwork, conducted between December 8 and 12, 1986, consisted of a surface survey of approximately 10 miles of recently cleared firebreaks and interval shovel testing within ten survey transects and one small area. Numerous fragments of Herty cups were collected from cleared areas; these ceramic containers were used between 1904 and ca.1940 for collecting pine gum for turpentine. The only prehistoric artifact found was a single chert flake recovered in a shovel test. Neither the scattered historic remains nor the isolated prehistoric artifact constitute an archaeological site.