Archaeological investigations including archival research, visual inspection, metal detector survey, and limited test excavations were conducted on a 100-meter long corridor at the location of the Yahoola High Trestle, a component of 9LU52 (Hand Ditch) located in Lumpkin County, Georgia. This investigation was conducted as an instructional research project managed by faculty from University of North Georgia and utilized field crew composed of student volunteers from several universities as well as members of the local community.
Approximately 0.587 acres along the right bank of Yahoola Creek at the location where the Hand Ditch crossed Yahoola Creek were subjected to archaeological investigations, leaving the corresponding left bank of the creek yet to be investigated. Results of the archaeological investigations conclude that:
• Surficial evidence of historic-period features identified as components of the Yahoola High Trestle are visible on the right bank of Yahoola Creek.
• Surficial evidence of historic-period features corresponding with the location of the Iron Tube remain visible on the right bank of Yahoola Creek.
• A scatter of ferrous historic-period detritus associated with the Yahoola High Trestle is present in the vicinity of the trestle site as identified during a metal detector survey.
• Sub-surface features, including but not limited to post molds associated with the trestle’s structure, were not identified during limited test excavations.
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