Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Rome, Georgia 1135 Project (Rome Levee), Floyd County, Georgia

In January of 1996, Brockington and Associates, Inc., undertook a cultural resources survey in Floyd County, Georgia. The project tract encompasses approximately 30 hectares (75 acres) located between the H.H. Keel Levee (Rome Levee) and the Coosa and Oostanaula rivers; the project area is located within the city limits of Rome. This investigation was designed to identify all archaeological resources within the study tract and to assess their significance in terms of National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) criterion. Two archaeological sites, 9FL325 and 9FL326, were recorded as a result of this investigation. Site 9FL325 is a prehistoric ceramic and lithic scatter; a single sherd identifies a Late Mississippian (Lamar) component. Shovel tests and 50 by 50 cm test units excavated within the site boundaries indicate that the site has been adversely impacted to such a degree that it has little research potential; site 9FL325 is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. The second site, 9FL326, is the levee itself. The levee consists of about 183 m (6,000 It) of earth levee and 166 m (546 It) of concrete flood wall along the west bank of the Oostanaula River, and about 915 m (3,000 ft) of earth levee along the north bank of the Coosa River. The levee measures about 10 m (30 It) wide at the top and about 30 m (100 It) at its base; the average height of the levee is 5.5 m (18 It). The H.H. Keel Levee ("Rome Levee') was constructed in the post-Depression/pre-World War II period. Construction of the levee allowed the development of western by lessening the danger of flooding. Additionally, levee construction provided economic stimulation that helped raise the region out of the depths of the Depression. Because of the aforementioned reasons site 9FL326 is considered a significant cultural resource and is recommended eligible for the NRHP.