The Georgia Department of Natural Resources provided funding for an archaeological survey of selected areas within a 5 kilometer radius of Etowah Mounds State Historic Site (9BR1). This investigation is a continuation of earlier DNR funded research in the Cartersville area aimed at compiling a comprehensive inventory of archaeological sites before modern development (commercial, residential, and industrial) further impacts the cultural resources of the region. Phase II of the Etowah Valley Survey covered approximately 550 acres, recording 39 archaeological sites with components ranging from Early Archaic through Historic times. Ten of these sites were previously recorded. Unrecorded sites were assigned official state archaeological site numbers. All sites were recorded using consistent systematic survey procedures. Specific data (elevation, land form, cultural component, etc.) was recorded for each site, as well as property ownership. Most site boundaries for previously recorded sites were redefined based on the systematic survey procedures outlined for the project. The findings of this research indicate that modern development continues to encroach on the archaeological resources of the Cartersville area. The value of agricultural land is lessened by the potential value associated with commercial, industrial, and residential development. Several of the tracts surveyed have been impacted by modern industrial and residential development and it is expected that modern development will continue to impact the archaeological resources in the Cartersville area.
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