Phase I Cultural Resources Survey and Phase II Archeological Testing of the Proposed 500-Acre Richland Creek Reservoir Site, Paulding County, Georgia

Phase I cultural resources survey and Phase II archeological testing were conducted for the proposed Richland Creek reservoir site in Paulding County, Georgia. The proposed project includes a 500‑acre [202.4‑hectare (ha)] tract in northern Paulding County. A total of 26 archeological sites and 13 isolated finds were found within the project area during the survey. Prehistoric resources recorded during the current study include occupations dating to the Early Archaic, Middle Archaic, Late Archaic, Early/Middle Woodland, Late Woodland, and Mississippian, as well as indeterminate Woodland/Mississippian. Recorded historic archeological sites date from the late 19th century through the late 20th century.

Two sites (9PA451 and 9PA457) are located at the edge of the project area. Both of these sites may extend beyond the project boundary. The portions of these two sites that exist within the project area have no depositional integrity or information potential.

Phase II testing was conducted at seven archeological sites (Sites 9PA453, 9PA454, 9PA462, 9PA467, 9PA468, 9PA473, and 9PA475) to clearly evaluate their NRHP eligibility status. Based on the results of Phase II testing, all seven sites are recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP).

Based on survey and testing results, all 26 archeological sites and 13 isolated finds recorded within the project area are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. However, since Sites 9PA451 and 9PA457 have not been fully delineated, the NRHP eligibility status of these two sites is unknown. The portions of these two sites that exist within the proposed reservoir boundaries would not contribute to the archeological significance of either site.