Phase I Cultural Resources Survey and Phase II Archeological Testing of the Proposed 752-Acre Genesee Tract, Coweta County, Georgia

R.S. Webb & Associates conducted a Phase I cultural resources survey of a proposed 752-acre [229-hectares (ha)] Genesee tract in Coweta County, Georgia from September 10 through November 7, 2007. Phase II archeological testing was conducted during January 7 through January 29, 2008. The project was performed for compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended, to meet the conditions ofUnited States Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) permitting under Section 404 of the Clean Water Act. The survey was conducted on behalf of Forestar USA Real Estate Group Inc., Douglasville, Georgia, to locate and identify cultural resources within the project boundaries, and to assess resource significance based on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria [36CFR Part 60.4]. Archeological testing was conducted to clearly evaluate the NRHP eligibility status of six sites.

The study area is located in Coweta County, Georgia in the west-central portion ofthe state, approximately 9 kilometers (km) north ofNewnan, Georgia. The Area of Potential Effects (APE) set at 100 meters (m) from the project boundaries, except at the northwest end of the project area. In this area, the APE was set at 160 m to include a structure with potential line-of-sight issues, on the north side of the Tommy Lee Cook Road and Jim Starr Road intersection.

The Phase I cultural resources survey included a literature review and intensive field survey. During the literature review, state and county records, maps, and documents were examined to determine if previously recorded archeological sites or historic structures are located within or adjacent to the project area. Using surface and subsurface techniques, the field survey was conducted to identify and record cultural resources within the study area. The project's APE was surveyed for structures greater than 50 years old. Phase II archeological testing consisted of the excavation of a series of 1 by 1 meter (m) test units at each potentially eligible site, to clearly evaluate the NRHP eligibility status for each of these sites.