Phase II Archaeological Data Recovery Area 1 Fig Island Channel Site Savannah Harbor, Georgia

As part of the Savannah Harbor Navigation Project, the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District and the Georgia Ports Authority are deepening portions of the Savannah Harbor shipping channel. Because the Fig Island Channel Site (9CH738) on Hutchinson Island is known to have been a graveyard for derelict ships, Tidewater Atlantic Research, Inc., (TAR) of Washington, North Carolina was contracted by Gulf Engineers and Consultants, Inc. for the Corps of Engineers, Savannah District and Georgia Ports Authority, to carry out a series of archaeological investigations designed to mitigate the impact of channel improvements to previously identified shipwreck sites and to locate any additional and unknown shipwreck remains. Field research carried out by TAR in November 1993 included the complete excavation and architectural documentation of Vessel 20. Test excavations were completed on two other previously discovered sections of timbers (Vessel 18 and Probe Area 1, designated Vessel 24). The vessels were probed and test areas cleared to allow inspection and interpretation of the remains of the vessels. Sufficient information was recovered to generate a Scope of Work for the documentation of Vessel 18. Vessel 24 proved to consist mainly of scattered disarticulated outer hull planks. A copper-sheathed section of keel, keelson, and half-frames was discovered running directly onto the top of the bow of Vessel 20. The articulated section was recorded in situ and removed to allow access to Vessel 20. No further work was recommended for Vessel 24.