Site 9QU55 is a mufti-component prehistoric site whose predominant component dates to the Woodland Period. This site is located within the boundaries of the Eufaula National Wildlife Refuge, between Soapstone Creek and Lake Walter F. George, in Quitman County, Georgia. The site boundaries extend across both U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USAGE) and privately-owned property. Recently reported vandalism and erosion at the site has created concerns regarding the loss of valuable data from a potentially significant archaeological resource. Consequently, the USAGE, Mobile District contracted with Brockington and Associates, Inc. to conduct Phase II excavations at 9QU55, to assess its National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) eligibility and, if necessary, to develop detailed recommendations for further investigations. Only the portion of the site located within USAGE property boundaries was the focus of this study. This Phase II evaluation of 9QU55 revealed disturbed site deposits with little or no vertical stratigraphic integrity. Although numerous diagnostic artifacts were recovered, artifact mixing was so prevalent that no potential for addressing regional research issues exists. Additionally, the few preserved organics recovered were extremely fragmentary, limiting the potential for research into subsistence strategies. No intact cultural features were identified. Based on the results of this investigation, the portion of site 9QU55 located within USAGE boundaries does not appear to have retained sufficient research integrity to meet NRHP eligibility requirements.
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