An Archaeological and Architectural Survey of The Rockdale County Bike Trail

During April, May, and December 1997, New South Associates, Inc., conducted an archaeological and architectural survey of the proposed Rockdale County Bike Trail. This approximately eight mile long, 20 to 30 foot (6-9 m) wide bike/multi-use and equestrian trail runs mostly along existing road right-of-way between the Georgia International Horse Park and the Big Haynes Creek Reservoir Recreation Area. The segment along Costley Mill Road between the Horse Park and State Highway 138 will be split, with the equestrian trail and bike/multi-use trails on opposite sides of the road. This survey effectively covered a corridor width of 50 feet (15m) to 70 feet (21 m), and the survey methodology consisted of surface survey and shovel testing at 100 foot (30 m) intervals.

Ten archaeological sites and seven buildings over 50 years old were identified. Seven of the 10 archaeological sites had previously been recorded and one of these, 9R036, had been recommended as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Until the final alignment of the trail is determined, it is unclear whether this site is located on the eastern edge, or outside of, this corridor. If the final alignment does cross this site, archaeological Phase II testing is recommended to determine the site's eligibility. Three previously unrecorded archaeological sites, 9R0130, 9R0131 and 9R0133, were also found. Site 9R0130 is not recommended as eligible and no further work is recommended there. Site 9R0131 is the Costley Mill complex and is considered eligible for nomination to the National Register. While this site will not be directly impacted under current plans, the bike/ equestrian trail will make it more easily accessible to the public. Protective methods and possibly interpretation of the remains are recommended to prevent adverse impacts to the site. Site 9R0133 is a remnant of the old Hightower Indian trail and is recommended as potentially eligible. Current plans indicate that the multi-use/bike and equestrian trail will run adjacent to this historic road and not impact it. As one of the main prehistoric Indian trails and later historic roads in Georgia, no construction or construction equipment should be allowed on the trail, and interpretative signs are recommended to inform the public of this important resource.

Of the seven buildings identified, three may be considered eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. One of the buildings, Resource No. R0-89 will not be directly impacted by the proposed project, however the construction zone will be in close proximity to a granite retaining wall surrounding the property. If construction is confined to the existing road right-of-way, and does not disturb the granite retaining wall or other landscape elements of this recommended eligible resource, the direct and indirect effects should be negligible and no further mitigative efforts are recommended.

The second building, Resource NS-1 is located on the east side of Costley Mill Road. The main house and outbuildings are not located within the proposed project corridor, however, the western edge of the terraced side yard will be within the construction zone. If the topography and character of this apparent property boundary are kept intact, the resulting effects to this property are not expected to be adverse.

The third building is Resource No. R0-90. The limited setback of this resource places it in close proximity to Costley Mill Road and within the construction zone of the proposed project. The main house is located on the east side of the road while an associated bam is located opposite the house on the west side of the road. The apparent front yard of this resource consists of a small patch of lawn bordered by a rubble stone wall and a stand of privet along its western edge. The alignment of the proposed trail is expected to run between the apparent front yard of this resource and the existing edge of Costley Mill Road. Construction of the proposed trail should not result in adverse effects to this property if the landscape elements of the apparent front yard are left intact. Due to the close proximity of the apparent property boundary, measures should be taken to avoid damaging existing landscape elements during construction of the trail.

The associated bam opposite Resource No. R0-90 is set back from the corridor and therefore will not be directly impacted by the construction of the trail. Due to the nature of the proposed project indirect effects are expected to be negligible.