An archaeological survey was conducted of a 40 acre tract for the White County Recreation and Parks Department. "The survey area is slightly over two miles north of Cleveland, Georgia (see Figure 1) and is to be developed as a multiple use site by White County. University of Georgia archaeologist Greg Paulk conducted the investigation on January 6, 1977. Dr. Paul R. Fish, University of Georgia, Department of Anthropology, acted as Principal Investigator for the project. All notes and other records resulting from this research are on file in the Laboratory of Archaeology, Department of Anthropology, University of Georgia.
The topography of the study area is marked by steep slopes leading to Little Tesnatee Creek (see Plate 1). Little Tesnatee Creek and its narrow floodplain form the western boundary of the project area. Thick vegetation covers the entire 40 acre tract. Immature pine covers the hilltops and slopes and large hardwoods can be found adjacent to the creek. Dense understory vegetation is present throughout the project area and surface visibility is poor in all areas surveyed.
Methods of investigation include both intensive surface reconnaissance and subsurface testing. Initially, the entire project area was systematically surveyed on foot. North-south transects with spacing approximately 50 feet apart and covering the entire 40 acre tract were walked. Then small shovel and posthole tests were excavated in areas thought most likely to contain archaeological remains (see Figure 2). Red clay subsoil was encountered a few inches below the present ground surface in the shovel tests. Postholes were excavated in the vicinity of the creek floodplain but it was not possible to reach the level of the old alluvium because of the high water table.
No archaeological remains or any type were encountered during our survey. Although several residents of the general project area report finding projectile points in the immediate vicinity, none recall ever finding artifacts within the 40 acre tract surveyed. No sites located in or near the proposed project area are on or have been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Since no evidence or archaeological materials could be documented, recommendations for future work are unnecessary.
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