During the period of August 25 through 31, 2015, R. S. Webb & Associates conducted a Phase I archeological resources survey of an 8-hectare (ha) (20-acre) development tract on White Circle in Cobb County, Georgia. The survey was conducted for Enercon Services, Inc. to comply with the Georgia Environmental Policy Act. Compliance with this act is required because funding/approval from the Georgia Department of Community Affairs is necessary. The purpose of the Phase I study was to locate and identify archeological resources within the project Area of Potential Effects (APE), assess resource significance based on National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criteria (36 CFR Part 60.4), and evaluate potential project effects on any historic properties identified (36 CFR Part 800). Since this is solely an archeological survey, the APE was set at the project area boundaries.
The Phase I study included a literature review and an intensive field survey. During the literature review, state and local records, maps, and documents were examined to determine if previously recorded archeological sites are located in or near the project area. Using surface inspection, screened shovel testing, and focused metal detection, the field survey was conducted to identify and record archeological resources within the project tract/ APE.
Literature Review: There are no NRHP-listed properties, historic structures, Centennial Farms, or cemeteries known to be within or adjacent to the project area. Several houses were present within the project area along White Circle during the early to late 20th century, but later maps and aerial photography show that they are no longer present. Archeological site 9C0741 is adjacent to the western project boundary. This resource is an intact section of the Brushy Mountain Line, an extensive defensive earthwork constructed by the Confederates in 1864. This site was recommended eligible for the NRHP.
Archeological Field Survey: The current field survey confirmed that the section of the Brushy Mountain Line recorded as 9C0 741 extends along the edge of a prominent n01theast-southwest-trending ridge in the northwest portion of the project area. The earthworks within the project area are in fair to good condition and can be dated to Confederate actions during the Atlanta Campaign in June 1864. The current findings support the previous recommendations that 9C0741 is eligible for the NRHP.
Two other archeological sites, 9C0 765 and 9C0 766, were recorded during the current field survey. They are on the crest of the above-referenced ridge. Both sites are 19th to early 20th-centmy historic artifact scatters that appear to have been redeposited by dirt road grading activities during the last 50 years. Because of their heavily disturbed/redeposited nature, these sites are recommended ineligible for the NRHP.
Recommended Treatment: Archeological site 9CO741 is recommended eligible for the NRHP; however the proposed undertaking will have no adverse effect on this resource because the site will be preserved and surrounded by a vegetation buffer. The boundaries will be located by a professional land surveyor and a buffer zone established around the site. No additional cultural resources work is recommended for 9C0741. No additional work is recommended for sites 9C0765 and 9C0766 because they do not meet any NRHP eligibility criteria.
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