Cultural Resources Survey of the Morgan Tract Chatham County, Georgia

In January 2003, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted a cultural resources survey of the Morgan Tract, located in Chatham County, Georgia for Mr. Phillip Morgan, III. The Morgan Tract contains approximately 520 hectares including 200 hectares of wetlands (approximately 38 percent of the project tract). This survey included a review of the history of land ownership and use through public documents, a review of previous investigations near the Morgan Tract, and the excavation of shovel tests at 15, 30, and 60 meter intervals across the tract. This cultural resources survey was undertaken to provide information concerning the kinds of cultural resources present on the tract and how these resources may affect the future use of the tract. This cultural resources survey was conducted in compliance with federal and state laws and regulations concerning the management of cultural resources as administered by the Regulatory Program of the US Army Corps of Engineers (33 CFR 325, Appendix C).

Investigators identified nine archaeological sites (9CH1024- 9CH1032) and four isolated finds (Isolates 1-4) during the cultural resources survey of the Morgan Tract. We recommend archaeological sites 9CH1 024- 9CH1032 and Isolates 1-4 not eligible for the NRHP. Although, we recommend the three cemeteries 9CH1 030-9CH1 032 not eligible for the NRHP, land disturbing activities in or near these cemeteries should be avoided. These culturally sensitive resources should be preserved in place with an appropriate buffer. Cemeteries are protected from disturbance and desecration under Georgia state law. In the event the cemeteries cannot be preserved, relocation as per applicable Georgia statutes will be necessary. No further management consideration of the remaining archaeological sites and isolated finds is warranted. No historic properties exist within or near the Morgan Tract. Development activities within the Morgan Tract will not affect any historic properties. Ground disturbing activities within the Morgan Tract should be allowed to proceed without further consideration of cultural resources, with the noted exception of the three cemeteries.