Archaeological Resources Survey of Areas to be Affected by the Proposed Widening of U.S. 341 and 23/ S.R. 27, GDOT Projects GIP-341(29) (30) (31), Dodge and Telfair Counties, Georgia

In December of 1994, an archaeological survey was conducted of areas to be affected by the proposed widening, reconstruction, and relocation of portions of U.S. 341 and 23/S.R. 27 from C.R. 266 in Dodge County to just west of the City of Helena in Telfair County, by Garrow & Associates, Inc. (Garrow), under contract to Parsons Brinckerhoff Quade & Douglas, Inc., of Atlanta. The survey encountered 42 archaeological sites and 31 isolated finds in the project corridor, including two previously identified sites. The 42 sites contain six prehistoric and 41 historic period components, and the 31 isolated finds contain four prehistoric and 28 historic period components. The 10 prehistoric components consist primarily of isolated artifacts or low-to-moderate rate density scatters of chert debitage lacking evidence of intact deposits. Those sites and finds are considered not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (National Register). Two prehistoric components produced both diagnostic artifacts and limited evidence of sub-plow zone deposits. Site 9DG76 produced a beveled biface probably dating to the Early Archaic period as well as a sand-tempered pottery sherd dating to the Woodland or Mississippian period. Although subsurface testing located a small number of artifacts in sub-plow zone deposits, most of the artifacts were found in disturbed contexts that apparently represent fill deposited during a twentieth century occupation. Site 9DG88 produced a crude, stemmed projectile point apparently dating to the Late Archaic period. A few artifacts were recovered from subplow zone contexts, but artifact density was extremely low. Due to the lack of evidence for substantial undisturbed deposits within the right-of-way, the portions of these two sites within the project corridor are considered not eligible for the National Register. The 69 historic period components include one site, 9DG88, that produced four artifacts dating to the early to mid-nineteenth century. The artifact scatter extended an unknown distance outside the right-of-way, however, and the subsurface testing produced no evidence of intact deposits or features. Consequently, the part of this site situated within the project corridor is considered not eligible for the National Register. Twenty-seven historic sites or isolated finds produced artifacts potentially dating to the late nineteenth century, but most of those sites also produced later, twentieth century artifacts. Although one of those sites (9DG50) was extensive and at least four others contained apparently unplowed deposits, none produced evidence of the type of short-term occupation coupled with undisturbed deposits that would warrant additional investigations. As a result, the archaeological components of those 27 sites and isolated finds situated within the project corridor are considered not eligible for the National Register. The remaining 41 historic sites and isolated finds produced artifacts dating solely to the twentieth century. Fourteen of those sites were associated with standing structures, 10 were associated with structural remains, and 17 lacked associated structures or structural remains. Although several of those sites contained undisturbed deposits, none appears to have the potential to provide important information concerning the historic occupation of the area. Consequently, the archaeological components of those 41 sites and isolated finds situated within the project corridor are considered not eligible for the National Register.