Cultural resource inventory and evaluation studies (Resource Inventory II) were undertaken on tracts at the Langdale Hydroelectric Project and the Riverview Hydroelectric Project in Chambers County, Alabama and Harris County, Georgia. These studies were undertaken to determine if cultural properties were present and to assess their potential eligibility for the National Register of Historic Places. Field inventory methods consisted of screened shovel cutting at 30 meter intervals on all project tracts, with the exception of Langdale Tract 1, where power auger cuts were placed at 30 meter intervals. Evaluation procedures consisted of 15 meter close interval screened shovel cuts and excavation of 1 X 1 and 1 X 2 meter units.
Results of surface and subsurface examinations and artifact analysis demonstrate the presence of seven historic properties and two prehistoric properties within the project boundaries. Historic remains include a beached power plant maintenance barge; early to mid-twentieth century domestic and industrial dump sites; and, early twentieth century industrial (hydroelectric darn construction) staging areas. Prehistoric properties consist of a relatively high density Late Mississippian/Lamar ridgetop camp/farmstead, and a low density, ridgetop, surface scatter with undifferentiated Archaic and Lamar components.
National Register eligibility assessments were based on the Secretary of Interior's Standards For Evaluation. Inventory Properties #1 (derrick barge); #2 (rock quarry and machinery platform); #3 and #4 (architectural/industrial dumps); #5 (industrial/domestic dump); #6 (dam construction work area); #8 (riverine upland prehistoric scatter); and #9 (rock quarry) are recommended as ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Inventory Property #7 (riverine upland prehistoric property) is recommended as eligible to the National Register of Historic Places.
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