Phase I Archeological Survey of the Live Oak Landing Tract, Savannah, Georgia

In February, 2018 Southeastern Archeological Services conducted a Phase I archeological survey of an approximately 2.4 ha (6 ac) parcel of land on the eastern edge of Savannah that is proposed for government-assisted housing development. The project is being assisted by the Georgia Department of Community Affairs, with federal assistance from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development. A 2016 cultural resources records review and reconnaissance of the project area recommended that a Phase I archeological survey be conducted. Although there were indications of fill more than 2 m (6 ft) deep in the north portion of the tract, the entire tract was considered the area of potential effect for the project. Archival research indicated the area was near a marsh edge until the twentieth century, then was farmed and finally was used to store used automobile parts from about the 1940s through the 1990s. Four mid- to late twentieth century structures fronted on Wheaton Street, the southern boundary of the project area. We found no documentation of structures on the property prior to the twentieth century. The Phase I survey consisted of excavating a 30-m interval grid of shovel tests throughout the project area (area of potential effect). All 26 of these contained artifacts, usually in large numbers and largely in disturbed contexts. The area exhibits a complex stratigraphy related to episodes of filling, razing and regrading. The majority of artifacts were a result of the importation of fill dirt and rubble and from use of the property as an automobile junkyard. An additional nine shovel tests were excavated along Wheaton Street where three houses are depicted on a 1955 map. Based on the shovel tests and the map, the location of these three houses was recorded as archaeological site 9CH1453. The houses were built in the late 1940s to early 1950s and the last one was razed in 1993.

The site is highly disturbed and is barely discernible from shovel testing. There are no visible indicators of the houses. We recommend the site has not and is not likely to contribute important information on the history of Savannah and the region (National Register of Historic Places Criterion D). It is not known to be associated with persons or events important in local history (Criteria A and B). It has no standing architecture. Therefore, we recommend that Site 9CH1453 is not eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. It is our conclusion that, in regard to archaeological resources, the proposed project should be granted clearance to proceed.