Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Dawson Crossing to South Dahlonega Transmission Line Dawson and Lumpkin Counties, Georgia

Brockington and Associates, Inc. contracted with the Georgia Power Company to conduct an intensive Phase cultural resources survey of the proposed 18.3 km (11.4 mi) Dawson Crossing to South Dahlonega transmission line corridor in Dawson and Lumpkin counties, Georgia. Field survey was conducted on 12-20 and 28 May, as well as 14 and 28 August 2003, and consisted of systematic shovel testing, pedestrian walkover, and vehicular transit of the proposed transmission line corridor. This survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 (as amended through 1992).

Background research revealed three previously recorded cultural resources (9DW5, 9DW87 and DW-30) within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of the project corridor. Sites 9DW5 and 9DW87 are archaeological resources, while DW-30 is a historic resource. Site 9DW5, the Bishop site, is described by Wauchope (1966) as a Woodland lithic station and possible village site. Wauchope provided no dimensions or National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility recommendations. Site 9DW87, the Martin Cemetery, is an undisturbed nineteenth-century cemetery with soapstone crypts. This site was recorded in 1992 by an amateur group known as the Archaeological Survey Team of Atlanta. No NRHP eligibility recommendations are given. Resource DW-30 is known as the Hugh Stowers Farm Store and is located on Hugh Stowers Road. The date of construction was estimated to be between 1920-1939. Though the store is no longer standing, two barns associated with the store are present. During Strong and Vogel's 1992 survey of Dawson County, DW-30 was not given a NRHP eligibility recommendation; however, due to the store's demise, DW-30 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP.

Archaeological field survey resulted in the identification of two archaeological isolated finds (Isolates 2 and 3) and an isolated grave. Isolate 2, located in the central portion of the corridor, is a quartz projectile point fragment recovered from the ground surface. Isolate 3, also located in the central portion of the corridor, is another quartz projectile point fragment recovered from the ground surface. These resources are recommended ineligible for the NRHP. The May McLane grave site is also recommended ineligible for the NRHP, but is afforded special protection under state law. Georgia Power Company should avoid and protect this grave site during transmission line clearing, construction, and routine maintenance.

Architectural survey documented and evaluated six architectural resources (GA-085-001, GA-085-002, GA-187-001.1, GA-187-001.2, GA-187-002, and GA-187-003). Of these six, we recommend two (GA-187-002 and GA-187-003) eligible for the NRHP. Due to changes in the project corridor, these two eligible resources are no longer within the viewshed of the proposed transmission line. We recommend cultural resources clearance for the proposed transmission line construction.