In October 2014, URS Corporation conducted a Phase I archaeological resources survey in support of the Hoyt Braswell and Perdue Road widening and improvements, located in Jefferson County, Georgia. The proposed Transportation Investment Act (TIA) project, PI 0011376, would improve Hoyt Braswell Road and Perdue Road located immediately south of the city of Wrens. Improvements would occur between US 1/SR 4/South Main Street and Kings Mill Road and would include widening and resurfacing of the existing two‑lane roadway from two 10‑foot travel lanes to two 12‑foot travel lanes. The current existing right of way (ROW) is approximately 60 feet. The proposed ROW varies from 90 feet to 110 feet. For the purposes of this project, the proposed ROW is known as the Area of Potential Effect (APE). The total project length is approximately 1.64 miles. As new ROW will be acquired, this investigation also considered the survey of a 100‑foot extension of land beyond the APE known as the Extended Survey Corridor (ESC). For the purpose of this investigation the APE and the ESC are collectively known as the survey area.
The primary objectives during the survey were to identify any archaeological sites within the survey area, assess their integrity, and to evaluate those identified sites through the application of criteria set forth by the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Ancillary objectives included the identification of any previously recorded archaeological sites within or near (1 kilometer [km]) the survey area, and the compilation of all relevant cultural information pertaining to the survey area=s surroundings. Tasks performed to accomplish these objectives included background investigations, field survey, and the application of the NRHP eligibility criteria. This survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. All work was conducted by personnel qualified under the Secretary of the Interior=s Professional Qualification Standards (36 CFR Part 61 B Standards and Guidelines for Archaeology and Historic Preservation).
Background investigations included an examination of archaeological site forms for previously recorded sites, previous undertakings conducted either within (footprint) or near (1 km radius) the survey area, historic aerial photography and topographic map review, and all relevant archival research relating to the history of the area. Two previously recorded archaeological sites have been recorded within a 1 km radius of the survey area. Sites 9JF51 and 9JF63, respectively located north and northwest of the survey area, have been determined to be not eligible for the NRHP.
In total, 273 shovel tests were excavated, of which eight were positive for cultural material. A further 75 shovel test locations were not dug as a result of onsite prohibitive conditions. As a result of the current survey, two isolated finds (IFs) and two new archaeological resources (9JF345 and 9JF346) were identified. Site 9JF345 (Hoyt Braswell Historic 1) is a low density, domestic artifact scatter dating to the late nineteenth to early twentieth century. The site is located within the central portion of the survey area, within the ESC, adjacent to the southern APE. The portion of the site identified within the survey area measured 66 x 33 meters forming a roughly oval site plan. Twenty four (n=24) historic artifacts dating from the late nineteenth to mid twentieth century were recovered from one positive shovel test, surface collection, and two metal detector hits. No surface or subsurface features (e.g. foundations, or middens) were identified within the boundaries of the site. Since no subsurface features were identified during the survey, the site was analyzed primarily through the artifact assemblage. The site has been heavily disturbed by plowing and the deposit does not appear to retain the sufficient integrity necessary to provide valuable data needed to adequately address important research questions. This is due primarily to the fact that historic artifacts cannot be contextually parsed from twentieth century material as a result of modern disturbance. Due to the small and relatively common artifact assemblage, the lack of features, and overall disturbed nature of the site, the portion of 9JF345 within the survey area is recommended as non‑contributing to its overall NRHP eligibility under Criterion D. Because the boundaries of the site could not be fully delineated past the limits of the ESC, the overall eligibility recommendation for 9JF345 must remain unknown.
Also identified during the current survey, Site 9JF346 (Hoyt Braswell Historic 2) is a diffuse, historic artifact scatter located at the southwestern intersection of Hoyt Braswell Road and Perdue Road. The site was initially identified through a surface scatter of historic debris across approximately .80‑acres of a plowed field. A total of forty‑seven (n=47) historic artifacts were recovered from an Ap soil horizon context. In addition, eight metal detector hits were investigated and six historic metal objects were recovered. No features, either above ground or subsurface, were identified within the known boundaries of the site. Due to its disturbed context, lack of features, and unremarkable artifact assemblage, the research potential at 9JF346 is limited. Therefore the portion of 9JF346 located within the survey area is recommended as non‑contributing to its overall NRHP eligibility under Criterion D. Because the boundaries of the site could not be fully delineated past the limits of the ESC, the overall eligibility recommendation for 9JF346 must remain unknown.
The archaeological resource survey support of the Hoyt Braswell and Perdue Road widening and improvements resulted in two newly identified archaeological resources. Sites 9JF345 and 9JF346 are historic artifact scatters with limited research potential. URS recommends the project proceed as planned, as no NRHP eligible archaeological resources will be impacted.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.