Between December 16, 2016 and January 13,2017, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of the proposed Atlanta BeltLine Southside Trail in Fulton County, Georgia (Georgia Department of Transportation [GDOT] P.I. No. 0009397, HP No.15 L 030-00 L). All work was completed under a contract with Kim ley-Horn for the Atlanta BeltLine, Inc. (ABI) and the GDOT. Fieldwork included visual inspection, systematic shovel testing, ground penetrating radar (GPR), and selective metal detecting. The survey resulted in the identification of three newly recorded archaeological sites, four Isolated Finds (IFs), and two potential historic streetcar resources.
Records of previous archaeological investigations housed at the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF) indicated that no previously recorded sites are located within the survey area. Traditional shovel testing survey and surface examination throughout the Southside Trail survey area resulted in the identification of three new archaeological sites, 9FU727, 9FU728, and 9FU729. Site 9FU727 is a highly disturbed historic artifact scatter recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Sites 9FU728 and 9FU729 are also historic artifact scatters dating to the late nineteenth through twentieth centuries. The surveyed portions of these two sites lack integrity and significant information potential within the survey area; however, as they were not fully delineated, their overall NRHP eligibility remains unknown.
Atlanta's Historic Streetcar Geodatabase indicated possible historic streetcar track remnants at four locations in the survey area. Three of these locations were tested with GPR, and two locations tested positive for buried track. If ground disturbance is to occur in the roadway below the depth of suspected historic streetcar features, a special provision is recommended for archaeological monitoring during construction.
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.