From 26‑28 December 2006, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of the Old Evans Road Development Tract. The tract is located next to and west of Old Evans Road between Evans and Martinez, Georgia, in Columbia County. This Phase I survey was conducted to identify cultural resources within the project tract and within the project's Area of Potential Effect (APE) and assess their significance for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). An APE of a quarter mile was investigated during this investigation. This survey was conducted in accordance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended (16 USC 470 et seq.) and its implementing regulations (36 CFR Part 800).
Background research was conducted using the State of Georgia's Natural and Historic Resources Geographic Information System (NAHRGIS) maintained by the Historic Preservation Division in Atlanta, Georgia. During this research no historic architectural resources were located within the project boundaries or within the quarter mile APE study buffer. No previously recorded archaeological sites are located within the project boundaries, and only one previously recorded archaeological site (9CU143) is located within the quarter mile APE study buffer. Site 9CU143 is a prehistoric lithic scatter and was determined to be ineligible for the NRHP.
The Phase I cultural resources survey consisted of an archaeological survey and a historic structure survey. During the archaeological survey, a total of fifty‑five shovel tests were excavated across the site. Areas that could not be surveyed because of slope or standing water were visually inspected for archaeological remains. No archaeological resources were identified within the project boundaries. An architectural field survey of the project tract and the APE was also conducted. However, no historic architectural resources were identified during this investigation.
The project tract has been severely disturbed by erosion. The southern portion of the project tract has been used for dumping. There has been intensive development in the areas surrounding the project tract. To the east and south of the project tract are new subdivisions and to the north and west a variety of factories and shopping centers have been constructed.
The shallow soils, moderate erosion, and the fact that no artifacts or cultural features were identified, indicate that the potential for significant cultural resources within the project area is very low. Cultural resources clearance is recommended.
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