Archaeological Resources Survey and Testing Morgan and Putnam Counties, Georgia

Under a subcontract with Greenhome & O'Mara ( contracting with Georgia Department of Transportation) [GDOT], Brockington and Associates, Inc., performed an intensive archaeological resources survey (Phase I) within the proposed improvement corridors for US 441 in Morgan and Putnam counties. This task was completed in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and with regulations implementing this legislation (36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties). Our investigation, conducted during July 2001, included background research and field investigations, as specified in the project Scope of Work. The project corridors include an estimated total of 28 km (17.25 mi) adjacent to the existing US 441 right-of-way, 5.2 km (3.25 mi) of new location corridor, and 2.7 km (1.7 mi) of proposed improvements to existing intersections. The project corridors extend south from the town of Madison (Morgan County) and terminate just outside of the town of Eatonton (Putnam County). Details of the project corridors are presented in Figures 3 through 11. The majority of the project corridors passes through farmland and planted pines. Soils in the area are severely eroded. Background research focused on documenting previously recorded significant or potentially significant cultural resources. Preliminary research included review of the Georgia Archaeological Site File (University of Georgia, Athens) and the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) and county survey files (Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division, Atlanta). Field investigations focused on identifying and evaluating all archaeological resources within the project corridors. This included inspection of the ground surface where visibility allowed and excavation of30 by 30 cm (12 by 12 in) shovel tests at 30 meter (99 ft) intervals to examine subsurface deposits. Shovel tests were aligned along transects that were spaced at 30 meter (99 ft) intervals within the project corridors. For the majority of the project, transects ran parallel to the existing US 441 right -of-way within the area of proposed road improvements. Approximately 2, 1 00 shovel tests were excavated within the project corridors. Subsurface investigations revealed soils disturbed by intensive agricultural and silvicultural activities and erosion. Stratigraphy typically consisted of 0-1 0 cm (4 in) of reddish silty loam underlain by red clay. Our archaeological resources survey for the proposed improvements for US 441 in Morgan and Putnam counties located two previously unrecorded archaeological sites (sites 9MG453 and 9PMl170). Site 9MG453 is recommended not eligible for the NRHP. However, proposed improvements to US 441 will impact an abandoned cemetery (site 9PMl170). The NRHP eligibility for this site is currently unknown. As Georgia Code Section 36-72-1 through 16 mandates preservation and protection of abandoned cemeteries, avoidance of site 9PM 1170 is recommended. If appropriate changes in alignment are not feasible, GDOT Procedures for Acquisition of Right-of- Way From Cemeteries or Burial Grounds and Relocation of Burial(s) (1994) should be implemented.