Under contract with Thomas & Hutton Engineering Co., Brockington and Associates, Inc. performed an intensive cultural resources survey (Phase I) within the proposed Liberty County Industrial Park development (East Tract). This task was completed in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and with regulations implementing this legislation (36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties). Our investigation, conducted between I5 October and I December 2001, included background research and field investigations, as specified in the project Scope of Work. The development tract includes a total of I ,280 hectares (3, 161 acres) adjacent to Georgia State Route 38 (Seabrook Road) in Liberty County. The tract consists of approximately 443 hectares (1,094 acres) of upland areas with good soil conditions, and 443 hectares (1,094 acres) containing wetland soils and vegetation. The remaining 394 hectares (973 acres) are areas of tidal marsh and swamp with standing water. The project tract's western edge is at the junction of GA Route 38 and Old Sunbury Road. Old Sunbury Road, running east-west, bisects the entire length of the project tract. The project tract's eastern edge is just west of Fort Morris (Figure 1); this eastern portion of the tract is currently in use as a hunting camp. Vegetation within the tract is dominated by planted pines and dense wetland thicket and undergrowth. Soils are predominately sandy and, in many areas, wet at the surface and just below. Background research focused on documenting previously recorded significant or potentially significant cultural resources. This work included review of the Georgia Archaeological Site File (University of Georgia, Athens), the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP), and county survey files (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division, Atlanta). Field investigations focused on identifying and evaluating all cultural resources within the project tract. This included inspection of the ground surface where visibility allowed and excavation of30 by 30 em (I2 by I2 in) shovel tests to examine subsurface deposits. The historic architecture survey was designed to identify all historic architectural resources (buildings, structures, objects, designed landscapes, and/or sites with above-ground components) that could be affected by the project. No historic architectural resources were identified within the project tract's area of potential effect (APE). No further management considerations are recommended. Old Sunbury Road, which passes through the project tract, was included in the intensive architectural survey as a landscape feature. However, the setting of Old Sunbury Road has been substantially altered from the original since nearly all of the surrounding land is either lined with even-aged planted pines or is cleared. The roadway itself is regularly maintained with grading, filling, and ditching to assist logging truck traffic. It appears very different from unaltered road sections that probably approximate the character of the historic roadway. We recommend the Old Sunbury Road segment in the project area as not eligible for the NRHP.
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.