Phase I Archaeological Survey of Signal Upgrades in Morgan and Newton Counties, Georgia

The Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) plans modifications to eight existing intersections in Morgan and Newton counties, Georgia (PI #0013198). New South Associates has completed a Phase I Archaeological Survey of these intersections to assist GDOT in meeting its responsibilities with respect to Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended (36 CFR 800). The objective of the archaeological survey was to determine the presence of significant archaeological resources in the project's area of potential effect (APE). The survey also covered an extended survey corridor (ESC). This report describes the objectives, methods, and results of the archaeological study. The survey resulted in the identification of five historic archaeological sites (9MG696, 9MG698, 9MG699, 9NE248, and 9NE249) and an isolated precontact find (FS-A3). In addition, Site 9MG238, also a historic archaeological resource, was revisited. Finally a twentieth-century African American family cemetery (9MG697) was recorded. The historic archaeological sites consisted of low-density artifact scatters. Sites 9NE248 and 9NE249 reflected archaeological components of historic buildings that were in a recommended expansion of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP)-listed Oxford Historic District (Person 2016). The archaeological deposits associated with these historic buildings are recommended as not contributing to the historic district's significance. Sites 9MG696 and 9MG698, both in Intersection A, and 9NE248 and 9NE249, located inside Intersection F extended outside of the ESC and were not completely delineated. Portions of the sites in the APE/ESC were shallow and sparse, and were judged to lack archaeological data potential. However, because the sites extended beyond the APE and ESC, their NRHP eligibility under Criterion D remains unknown. Site 9MG699 was located inside the ESC of Intersection A and completely delineated. This site appears to consist of either twentieth-century dumping or inclusions in construction fill and is recommended not eligible for the NRHP. The Jones Family Cemetery, 9MG697, is inside the APE of Intersection A. During the historic resources survey for this undertaking, Person (20 16) recommended that the cemetery is not eligible for the NRHP under Criteria A, B, or C. Without excavation, Criterion D could not be evaluated and the cemetery's NRHP eligibility status with respect to this criterion is considered unknown. Under current project design plans, construction in the vicinity of the cemetery will take place immediately adjacent to the intersection and will not disturb the site. The proposed intersection improvements are not likely to disturb archaeological sites on or eligible for listing on the NRHP. As a precaution, New South recommends the establishment of an Environmentally Sensitive Area (ESA) for sites 9MG238, 9MG696, 9MG698, 9NE248, and 9NE249, as well as the Jones Family Cemetery (9MG697).