Geophysical Survey and Phase II Archaeological Testing of 9ME1402 Muscogee County, Georgia

Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) archaeologists identified site 9ME1402 during survey at 1311 Warm Springs Road (Parcel 30) in Columbus, Georgia. The site was initially identified through ongoing Phase I survey consisting of shovel test pit excavation and metal detector survey within the area of potential effect (APE) of the proposed Talbotton Road/Warm Springs Road widening project (PI 350730). The parcel that contains the site falls in the City View/Perkins Mill National Register Historic District, therefore, additional geophysical survey and testing of the site was recommended to assess its potential to contribute to the historic district. Phase II testing of 9ME1402 was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800).

A review of historic map and aerial photography of the parcel suggested there was a potential for archaeological deposits associated with mill housing from the early twentieth century. A ground penetrating radar (GPR) survey was conducted on approximately 0.47 acre with two separate grids within this portion of the APE. The results from the GPR data identified 38 GPR anomalies. Of the 38 anomalies, 19 were interpreted as possible building foundations, six were identified as surfaces of some kind, six were identified as debris, five are likely utility lines, one anomaly was labeled as surface or disturbed, and a more recent driveway was located.

After geophysical survey of the site, four 1x1-meter test units were excavated as part of Phase II archaeological testing. The findings of the Phase I survey, the location of GPR anomalies, and historic map research were considered when placing the Phase II test units. Unit 1 was situated over the two masonry features identified by GDOT staff. The three remaining units were placed over subsurface anomalies detected through GPR survey. All units were excavated within the APE of the Talbotton Road/Warm Springs Road widening project.

Subsurface testing of 9ME1402 revealed that the site has been impacted by commercial development. Except for in situ brick in Feature 1, no other features associated with historic residential use of the lot were identified in test unit excavation. Historic artifacts were frequently collected from the same context as modern material, suggesting earthmoving activities have impacted the integrity of subsurface deposits. GPR anomalies, when exposed in test units, were found to consist of modern utility pipes or unconsolidated rubble associated with the razing of the mill housing prior to commercial development. The portion of site 9ME1402 subjected to Phase II testing lacks stratigraphic integrity due to the impact of this late twentieth-century development. The portion of the site within the APE was found to not possess significant research potential and does not contribute to the significance of the City View/Perkins Mill National Register Historic District under Criterion D. Therefore, no further archaeological investigation of the site is recommended.