Archaeological Mitigaion of Four Sites (9CE873, 9CE894, 9CE899, and 9CE910) within Training Area B-06, Fort Benning Military Reservation, Chattahoochee County, Georgia

Under a continuing services contract with the U.S. Army Infantry Center, Directorate of Public Works, Environmental Division, Fort Benning Military Reservation, Panamerican Consultants, Inc. (PCI) conducted a series of Phase III archaeological mitigations at four sites within the reservation. The objective of the excavations was to mitigate as much of the sites as possible before construction activities associated with road widening in Training Area B-06 took place. This work was undertaken in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 as amended; Executive Order 11593 (Protection and Enhancement of the Cultural Environment); and the Archaeological and Historic Preservation Act of 1974. Four sites (9CE873, 9CE894, 9CE899, and 9CE910) were excavated during this set of Phase III mitigations. Site 9CE873 represents an extremely large multi-occupational site containing Late/Terminal Archaic, Woodland, possible Lower Creek, and mid-nineteenth/early twentieth century non-Indian components. None of these components appear to be well represented within the project area. Recovery was sparse with few diagnostic artifacts being found. In addition, other than some military related disturbances, no cultural features were detected. No historic structures seem to have been located within this site, with only a handful of historic artifacts collected. Lithic debitage dominates the artifact assemblage comprising 95.2 percent, which also included a small collection of stone tools, quartz cobble fragments, and a piece of fiber tempered pottery. Based on evidence of the Indian components, it appears that 9CE873 was never heavily populated or used as a long term settlement. More likely, it was utilized as a short term or seasonal camp site by small prehistoric groups moving through this area stopping to exploit different resources (through hunting and gathering) available within this upland environment. This being said, there are still large sections of this site that have yet to be sufficiently tested. Further excavations in these areas may lead to different conclusions, thus to truly understand the occupational and functional history of this site additional archaeological work is needed. Site 9CE894 contains light to moderate amounts of Indian and non-Indian cultural material. The Indian components are sparse, with few diagnostic artifacts recovered from any of the current or previous work. Most of the material recovered has been in the form of debitage without cortex, indicating tool resharpening rather than manufacture. The few Indian ceramics found during the mitigation were mostly fiber-tempered Terminal Archaic types. Previous researchers have offered scant evidence of a possible Late Woodland Averett component and a possible historic Creek component. The presence of Mississippian Triangular projectile points could be attributed to either component and it is possible that both are present, although sparse. Based on the evidence of the Indian components, it appears that 9CE894 was never extensively inhabited, but was used as a short term or seasonal camp by small bands of hunter-gatherers. The historic non-Indian component appears to date to the mid to late nineteenth and early twentieth century, with very few artifacts suggestive of antebellum occupation. The remains of two structures were documented within the impact area, while a third may exist in the southern portion of the site. The structures were all evidently part of the Bald Hill community, which existed from at least 1848 until 1920. Testing and excavation at this site has been very limited and only accomplished in areas to be impacted by the military. Significant portions of this large site have received scant attention, most notably the area surrounding the spring in the northern portion of the site. Further excavations in this, and other areas of the site, may provide more insight into the occupational and functional history of 9CE894. Site 9CE899 represents the remnants of a mid-nineteenth through early twentieth century farmstead associated with a light Early to Late/Terminal Archaic and undifferentiated post-Archaic Indian component. The central portion of the site, around the visible house ruins was the focus of this mitigation. Unfortunately, the razing of the structure obliterated the chimney base and disrupted any foundation stones. However, a filled cellar was located and partially excavated. The location of a possible second structure was found, but other than a couple of potential foundation stones on the surface, no architectural features were observed. This area contained relatively high artifact densities with window glass and a darker Stratum I soil. Artifacts recovered suggested a possible earlier mid-nineteenth date for this second structure. A one-grave cemetery is located in the north-central portion of the site just north of the road. This marks the burial of Lizzie Hewell, infant daughter of Joseph and Aquilla Hewell. No date of birth or death was given on the headstone, but it is known that the Hewells married in 1852. The Phase II investigators searched for additional graves around this cemetery using GPR and probes and indicated no additional unmarked graves. Joseph A. Hewell bought the land lots in 1851 and retained possession until 1901. Considering the infant grave at 9CE899, it does appear J.A. Hewell did actually live at 8CE899. It is unknown which structure was the original Hewell home. The cemetery is located outside of the impact area and thus will not be affected by the proposed road widening project. Site 9CE910 appears to represent a historic site that was occupied from the mid-nineteenth to the early twentieth century. The most extensive structural remains at this site is Structure 1 in the interior of the site. These ruins are dominated by two very large chimney bases/brick piles, associated chimney falls, pier stones, and a well. It seems safe to surmise that Structure 1 was constructed and occupied in the late nineteenth to the early twentieth century. A syrup cooker was documented to the northeast of Structure 1 and is thought to be contemporaneous. It is believed that Structure 2, located to the southeast of Structure 1, is the oldest structure at 9CE910, based on hand made bricks, machine-cut nails, and window glass thickness, as well as pearlware and other early artifacts. Unfortunately, the area to the east of the chimney base has been heavily disturbed/destroyed and the area to the north and south severely eroded. Few specifics can be made about this site based on the archaeological data recovered during the current project. The artifacts are of a general mid-nineteenth to early twentieth century time frame. Data recovered from both the Phase II and Phase III work have documented at least three structures and a syrup cooker. In conclusion, none of the four sites will be completely impacted by planned road widening. These portions not impacted by the proposed road widening project are still eligible for the NRHP under Criterion D and thus should continue to be protected. Additional work would be instrumental in determining the extent of the Indian activities at these sites and identifying the components defi nitively. More work around the historic non-Indian structures may help determine whether the occupants were the landowners or a succession of tenant farmers. While unlikely, the possibility exists of the presence of human remains. As always, construction activities should proceed with caution.