An Archaeological and Historical Study of the Planter’s Tract, Butts County, Georgia

This report presents the results of preliminary archaeological investigations and historic background research on a 2,243 acre tract of land overlooking the Ocmulgee River at a location known as Seven Islands. The property is now owned by USC Timber Holdings, LLC with offices located in Warthen, Georgia. The field investigations were conducted in February and March 2017 by archaeolo­gists from Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. (SAS), under the direction of Tom Gresham. The primary goal of the field investigations was to locate and describe any archaeological remains associated with the nineteenth century manufacturing community know as Planter's Factory and Ocmulgee Mills. The project was undertaken at the request of Mr. Stephen Cummings of USC Timber Holding, LCC. The area of primary interest, within the large tract of land, was the eastern portion of the shoals of the Ocmulgee River. This area contains the remains of a cotton factory and an associated mill village community dating to the mid-nineteenth century. The tract is predominately wooded but large portions of the forested area bad been harvested within the past decade. At the time of the field investigations, much of the area consisted of cut-over land with thick ground cover. Most of the tract represents old farmland and remnants of agricultural terraces are conspicuous. Rock-lined terraces or retaining walls are also a conspicuous archaeological feature of the old mill complex and mill village area. High probability areas within the tract were surface searched for the remains of nineteenth century structures and, prehistoric sites, and any evidence of Historic Indian occupation. Shovel testing was limited to a very few areas as a means of locating evidence of archaeological remains. According to individuals associated with the current ownership of the property, rumors existed of a major Indian village on the ridge crest near the modern lodge. No evidence of significant prehistoric or Historic Indian occupation was found during our investigation in that area. As a result of the field and archival investigations we now have a better understanding of the mill complex situated on the west bank of the Ocmulgee River. Archaeological remains that are still pre­served within the tract relate to the nineteenth century manufacturing complex. Our preliminary study confirms that the shoals area retains the potential for further archaeological and historical research with respect to the surviving structural remains on the property.