HPD Archaeological Services Unit staff conducted an archaeological survey prior to installation of a drain field at the African Baptist Church at Raccoon Bluff on Sapelo Island. The community received a Heritage 2000 grant from HPD to renovate the circa 1900 wood frame church. Savannah College of Art and Design also became involved in the restoration, which was under way at the time of the archaeological investigation. The land around the church is currently owned by DNR, and a portion is to be turned over to the local community. HPD archaeologists were notified that the project included construction of a detached rest room building with an associated drain field that would involve ground disturbance. Archaeologists examined exposed surfaces and placed three shovel tests along the 80’ long drain field route. Shovel test fill was screened through ¼” mesh hand screens. No artifacts were recovered from either the surface or shovel tests. Based on field observations and archaeological investigation, the proposed drain field will have no effect on significant archaeological remains. A chimney was noted immediately south of the church, and was said to be the remains of a school. The school was not investigated during the fieldwork; however, it has since been brought to HPD’s attention that there may be interest in delineating the footprint of the old school, which will require further investigation.
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