Archaeological Resources Survey at Proposed Bridge Replacements BRST-0649(3) SR137 Over Shoal (Buck) and Gin Creek Marion County, Georgia

In October 2001, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted an intensive archaeological resources survey at the proposed bridge replacements in Marion County, Georgia. This investigation was carried out under contract with The LPA Group, Inc., for the Georgia Department of Transportation. The project was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and 36 CFR Part 800, by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61. The project goals were to identify and evaluate all archaeological resources within the boundaries of potential impact at the proposed bridge replacement. The bridges proposed for replacement are located in central western Georgia near the town of Tazewell on SR 137 over Shoal (Buck) and Gin Creeks, Marion County. Figure 1 shows the location of the bridges scheduled for replacement. The project area includes clear-cut areas, low and wet areas, planted pines, hardwood forests, and grassy fields, with briers and privet as undergrowth. During background research, no previously recorded archaeological resources were identified within a 0.8 km (0.5 mi) radius of the proposed bridge replacements. Background research was conducted through the Georgia Site Files Database, maintained by the University of Georgia, Athens and the National Register of Historic Places files, maintained by the Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. No archaeological resources were recorded during our initial field investigation in October 2001. An additional field inspection was conducted on 4 March 2002 to verify the location of a reported Civil War trench and Confederate States of America (CSA) soldier's grave. Both of these resources, which were reported by the land owners, the Owens family, are outside the area of potential effect (APE) and will not be impacted by the present undertaking. An intact segment of the old road between Buena Vista and Tazewell was also observed during this additional investigation. The road remnant is included in the historic resource boundary for Property 5, the Owen's House, that is discussed in the historic resources survey report addendum (Beaty 2002) for GDOT Project BRST-0649(3), Marion County (PI # 343356; HP # 010918-007). Based on results of background research and field inspection, the proposed bridge replacements will not affect any significant archaeological resources. No additional archaeological investigations are recommended.