Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI), under a contract with Wolverton & Associates, Inc., conducted Phase I archaeological survey for the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) project to upgrade traffic signals at nine intersections in Chatham County, Georgia (PI No. 0012843, HP No. 151221-001), in August and September of 2016. The proposed project would upgrade signal equipment, accommodate pedestrians, bring intersections to Americans with Disabilities (ADA) standards, and install improved striping. The Phase I investigation was conducted to locate and evaluate archaeological resources potentially affected by the project.
The area of potential effect (APE) for the proposed project consists of the existing and required right-of-way (ROW) for each intersection and the maximum extent of construction. A 100-foot extended survey corridor (ESC) buffer area was also surveyed. Prior to fieldwork, a search of the Georgia Archaeological Site File (GASF) determined that there are 10 previously recorded sites within a 1-kilometer radius of the survey area. All save one lie outside the survey areas. The boundaries of previously recorded site 9CH1191, the Battle at Brampton Plantation, extend to encompass the survey area at five intersection locations on US 80 in northwest Savannah.
The potential presence of artifact deposits or features related to 9CH1191 prompted the use of systematic metal detection in addition to standard shovel test methods at select intersections. The investigation’s findings were negative; no artifacts, historic or otherwise, were recovered during Phase I survey. The intersections within 9CH1191’s boundary have been subjected to filling, grading, and modern roadside trash deposits that compromise the ability of the survey area to yield any significant archaeological information that contributes to the understanding of the Battle at Brampton Plantation, 9CH1191. Therefore, no further archaeological investigation is recommended.
Help us to continue to make advances in research, stewardship, and bringing the past to life. No matter the size of the gift, your contribution will directly support groundbreaking archaeological research through sustaining student and outreach programs, and technological innovations. To make a secure gift online to the Archaeology Lab Fund, CLICK HERE.