An Archeological Survey of a Proposed Bicycle Path, Hurricane Shoals. Jackson County, Georgia

This survey included a background and literature review, fieldwork, laboratory analysis, and preparation of this report. Included in the background and literature review was consultation with the Georgia State Archeological Site Files, a review of old maps and aerial photographs showing the project area, reading published histories of Jackson County, and reviewing nineteenth century census information to provide data about the area.

The field portion of the survey was conducted by Ron Schoettmer and Kristine Bruner on February 1, 1999. The archeologists walked along the proposed pathway and excavated 30 cm diameter shovel tests at approximate 30m intervals. Shovel test fill was sifted through .64 cm (quarter inch) mesh hand screens. Twenty-eight shovel tests were excavated along the 850 m (2800 ft) long proposed path. Refer to Figure 2 for shovel test placement.

Two locations along the proposed bicycle path produced artifacts. One of these is an occurrence, consisting of a few artifacts from a highly disturbed context, while the other is a late destroyed nineteenth to early twentieth house site. In addition, two previously recorded sites are in or near the proposed path. The masonry piers of the former covered bridge (burned by vandals in the 1970s) were recorded during an archeological survey that was conducted by the University of Georgia in 1979.

The archeological survey of the proposed pathway located one previously recorded site and an artifact occurrence. Due to poor integrity and low research potential, neither is a significant archeological resource. Construction of the path will not adversely affect these, or previously recorded sites. It is the opinion of the principal investigator that the project be allowed to proceed.