This report presents the results of limited archaeological testing performed by Southeastem Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS) at 9BW112, a large, prehistoric site located north of Statham in eastern Barrow County, Georgia. The site overlooks the floodplain of the Middle Oconee River. Much of the site lies within the existing Winder‑ Hartwell Primary 230 kV transmission line corridor maintained by Georgia Transmission Corporation (GTC). The site had been recorded in 2010 during a survey of the Winder to New Haven transmission line corridor (Benson 2011). SAS was subsequently asked by GTC's Christy Johnson to examine and evaluate a portion of the prehistoric site located on private property owned by Bonnie Rainer. This portion of the site was investigated at the request of Mrs. Rainer because a large number of depressions were appearing on the property. Mrs. Rainer expressed concern that the depressions might be associated in some manner with the archaeological site. The area investigated through testing was limited to the landscaped yard of the single house lot.
The Rainer lot was found to contain evidence of the previously recorded prehistoric site (9BW112) that dates primarily to the Late Woodland/Early Mississippian Woodstock phase (ca A.D. 900‑1200). The site also contains evidence of more limited occupation dating to the Archaic period. The primary investigation consisted of the excavation of two small test units (1‑x‑1‑m squares). Further investigation of some of the other depressions on the Rainer lot was accomplished with a l‑inch soil auger. The excavations encountered a buried plowzone containing Woodstock pottery. The plowzone is now covered with a 15‑20 em thick layer of clay that was deposited just a few years ago during grading and landscaping for the subdivision. The depressions noted by Mrs. Rainer were determined to be associated with decayed tree stumps. These tree stumps and roots had been buried during the construction and landscaping of the subdivision. With respect to the archaeological site, the limited testing confirmed the findings of the earlier SAS survey. Site 9BR112 is considered potentially eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places because it may contain features that could inform on settlement, subsistence and lifeways during the transition from the Woodland period to the Mississippian period.
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