In January of 2021, Vanasse Han gen Brustlin, Inc. (VH B) conducted a Phase I Archaeological Resources Survey of a proposed Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT) road improvement in Banks County, Georgia. The proposed project consists of constructing a roundabout at the intersection of State Route (SR) 98, SR 164, and Evans Street. The project is located within the city of Homer, Georgia.
As the project is currently in the concept phase of development, an Environmental Survey Boundary (ESB) was considered as the survey area. The dimensions of the project ESB were determined prior to fieldwork by the design team and were intended to encompass an area large enough to capture any potential variations in project design work. The final design for the roundabout is anticipated to be smaller in size than the dimensions of the project ESB. The project ESB extends along SR 98 for approximately 1870 feet (ft) (570 meters [ml) in length and varies in width between 270 ft (82.3 m) and 370 ft (113 m).
The project ESB extends along SR 164 for approximately 1500 ft (457 m) and varies in width between 300 ft (91 m) and 360 ft (110 m). The project ESB extends along Evans Street for approximately 720 ft (220 m) in length and 250 ft (76 m) in width. Existing right-of-way (ROW) along SR 98 measures 98 ft (30 m), 82 ft (25 m) along SR 164, and 46 ft (14 m) along Evans Street. The total area of the project ESB is approximately 24.3 acres (ac) (9.8 hectare [ha]).
A review of previously recorded survey and archaeological site data indicated that there were no sites previously recorded within 1 km of the project ESB; however, two previous archaeological surveys were found to intersect with the current project ESB.
During the course of the current archaeological investigation, a total of 136 shovel tests were excavated within the project ESB. Seven shovel tests were positive for cultural material. A total of 31 shovel tests were not excavated due to steep slopes, existing roadways, paved surfaces, and standing structures. These proposed shovel tests were recorded as "No Dig". Phase I field survey resulted in the identification of one new archaeological site (9BA 133) within the project ESB.
Site 9BA 133 is a historic site located in the northern portion of the project ESB, east of SR 164 and west of SR 98. The site is an artifact and debris scatter resulting from the razing of former historic structures. The site was identified through the subsurface recovery of 64 artifacts from seven positive shovel tests, as well as two above ground features. The known area of the site is irregular in shape and measures 84 m (275 ft) in length by 24 m (79 ft) in width and covers an area of approximately 0.44 ac (0.2 ha). Due to the limits of the project ESB the site was not delineated to the northwest. Visible above ground features within the project ESB include two push piles of modern debris and construction material. The general environment within 9BA 133 consisted of wetland vegetation and maintained lawn with bricks scattered throughout.
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