Prehistoric Burial Recovery and Archaeological Evaluation of Site 9Sw70, Lake Walter F. George, Stewart County, Georgia

Prehistoric burial recovery and site assessment were conducted at 9Sw70 (Stewart County, Georgia) during August 1994, by Brockington and Associates, Inc. Poorly preserved remains of an adult female Native American were excavated from an eroding bank of Lake Walter F. George (formerly the Chattahoochee River). Site artifacts indicate a probable Protohistoric, Blackmon phase association (ca. AD 1650- 1715) for this burial.

Site assessment required excavation of 29 shovel tests at 20 m (65.5 ft) or less intervals, excavation of a 2 by 2m (6.56 by 6.56 ft) test unit, and site mapping. Shovel tests defined site boundaries and provided data on intrasite artifact frequency and soil stratigraphy. Test unit excavation provided additional information concerning artifact density, depth of cultural deposits, and site cultural components.

Artifacts were recovered from up to 70 m (2.3 ft) below surface on the crest of a low sand ridge in the central part of the site. Shovel tests determined that the site extends 100 m (328.1 ft) east-west parallel to the lake shore, and inland (N - S) for approximately 120 m (393.7 ft). The artifact assemblage from 9Sw70 includes artifacts from the Late Archaic through Historic periods. The most significant occupations date from the Mississippian and Protohistoric periods.

Site 9Sw70 contains significant archaeological deposits. Because of its potential to add information about the Native American occupation of the region, site 9Sw70 is recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Due to ongoing erosion, the landform where 9Sw70 is located requires stabilization. It is recommended that rip-rap or a seawall be placed at the site.