Between November of 2000 and November of 2001 staff archaeologists from the Georgia Department of Transportation conducted an archaeological reassessment of GDOT project EDS-72(33), Elbert County, Georgia. The proposed project would construct a loop ramp interchange approximately 1200 feet west of the existing intersection of SR 17/SR 72 northwest of the City of Elberton. The project would begin approximately 500 feet north of Lena Drive, on SR 17, and end approximately 200 feet east of Wayne Street, on SR 17/SR 72. Throughout the interchange the existing two lane sections on SR 17 and SR 72 would be widened to four lanes each.
The survey was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act (NHPA) of 1966 and amendments thereto, the Georgia Environmental Policy Act (GEPA) of 1991, and the Georgia Abandoned Cemeteries and Graves Protection Act of 1991 (OCGA 36-72).
During the original survey for the above referenced project, one previously unrecorded archaeological site was identified within the general project vicinity. Site 9EB694 was recorded by GDOT staff archaeologist Ricardo Fernadez-Sardina in 1994. At that time a fourth ramp was proposed in this general area. Due to the diffuse nature of the site and its compromised integrity, it was recommended as not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. The current archaeological assessment located no new archaeological resources within the reassessment portion of the proposed project's area of potential effect (APE).
Based on the previous work as well as the investigations conducted for the current assessment, it is concluded that no archaeological resources listed in or eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places or the Georgia Register of Historic Places are present within the proposed project's APE. As a result, no additional archaeological work is recommended provided that the project conforms to that described above.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.