Flint River Drainage Archeological Reconnaissance, Phase III Report: Preliminary Archeological Reconnaissance, Flint River Corridor and Selected Areas of Interior Clayton County

The methodology employed along this 2.1 miles of the Upper Flint River was that of standard pedestrian survey accompanied by a pattern of subsurface tests, so spaced along the route of the proposed construction right-of-way, so as to preclude the missing of any site locus that might sustain adverse impact. In addition to the construction right-of-way, the primary impact area, a corridor-like swathe, approximately one thousand feet wide, was surveyed to assess any secondary effect that might accrue to adjacent sites. This secondary area included possible access roads required by the contractor, equipment storage areas, turnarounds, etc.

Sites, once identified, were extensively tested to define site parameters and to acquire enough site data so as to assess the question of eligibility for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. This work was performed under the guidelines as set forth in 36 CFR 800 and additional guidelines issued by the Office of State Archeologist in draft form on January 1, 1977. Site materials were brought to the Survey laboratory, a permanent facility, and there catalogued, given preliminary analysis, selected specimens assessed as being representative of the site's cultural placement were photographed, and the total collection securely stored until total analyses can be carried out. Site graphics, in the form of engineer field notes and sketch maps, were given to the Survey cartographer, Mr. Thomas Wilson, for final rendering. Site photographs were processed and selected photographs readied for this report. The remaining photographs and negative were placed in the permanent files maintained by Staff Photographer, Ms. Caroline Richbourg.

The upper portion of the Flint River has been surveyed for archeological/historical resources on both banks. The most recent survey, reported here, is that for the East bank. Two prehistoric sites were intensively surveyed and found to have been heavily damaged by past land use from private and natural sources in combination. Neither site is considered to be eligible for listing or nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. All pertinent data, artifactual collections, photographs, etc., have been placed in secure permanent files of the Archeological Survey of Cobb-Fulton Counties. Separate site sheets and copies of the report have been forwarded to the Office of State Archeologist, Georgia Department of Natural Resources, as prescribed by guidelines issued by that office. The terms of the contract have been fulfilled and construction of the Flint River Outfall Sewer will not impact any archeological or historical resources critical to the interpretation of Georgia's or Clayton County's cultural history.