As preparation for a proposed BUD-supported housing development fronting on SR 144 (Ford Avenue) in Richmond Hill, Bryan County, Georgia, Southeastern Archeological Services conducted an intensive archeological survey of the area of potential effect for this project to ensure compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The survey of the 28.5 ac (11.5 ha) tract was conducted from June 21 through June 23, 2015, and was preceded by archival research.
Archival research revealed that no archeological sites or former structures were documented on the tract. Three large antebellum plantations (Silk Hope, Cherry Hill and Richmond Hill) were located on uplands overlooking the Ogeechee River bottomlands about 0.6 mi to the northeast of the project tract. The tract was within the 11 0-square mile Henry Ford Plantation of the twentieth century. Intensive 30-m grid shovel testing resulted in the discovery of one archeological site, 9BN1587, a small, plowzone scatter of Woodland period (Wilmington and probable Deptford) pottery between two pockets of wetlands. We recommend that site 9BN1587 is not eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places because due to its sparse, shallow nature it has little to no further research potential.
Because no archeological sites eligible to the National Register were located in the project area, we recommend the proposed development would not create any adverse effect to significant archeological resources. In regard to cultural resources, we recommend the project be allowed to proceed as planned.
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