Archeological Data Recovery at the Big Creek (#2) Site (9MF38), McDuffie County, Georgia

Fieldwork associated with the archeological data recovery at the Big Creek (#2) site (9MF38) began in mid-October of 2001 with the establishment of a grid and the excavation of 102 shovel tests measuring 50 x 50 cm square (total area of 25 m2) placed at 5 m intervals. Artifact densities were then plotted on the base map, followed by the excavation of eight test pits (total area of 27 m2) to sample areas that produced large quantities of artifacts. Next, a timber contractor removed the trees within the new right-of-way. In January of 2002, two blocks (with a total area of 340 m2) were mechanically stripped and shovel-shaved in an attempt to reveal subsurface features. All of this work was conducted within the existing or proposed new right-of-way of SR 17/US 78. Based on previous work (Pluckhahn 1996) the site extends to the south, outside the right-of-way. Although the full limits of the site have not been determined, it likely incorporates an area of approximately 11,750 m2. Of this total area, slightly more than one-half (roughly 6,100 m2) lies within the existing right-of-way. The proposed new right-of-way will occupy an additional 1,900 m2, or about 15% of the estimated total site area. The site is located on a small knoll and toe slope overlooking the narrow floodplain of Big Creek. The most level portion of the site is south of the new right-of-way; this area contains the Late Woodland-Early Mississippian component. Within the right-of-way the most favorable spot for prehistoric habitation is the knoll top, with a total area of about 1000 m. The greatest artifact density occurs at the head of a drainage immediately adjacent to the knoll top, with the bulk of material dating to the Late Archaic period. Erosion/slope wash probably accounts for the large numbers of artifacts found in the drainage. Slightly over 80 percent (n = 7391) of the artifacts came from three 2 x 2 m units placed off the crest of the knoll. The remainder of the area within the new right-of-way consists of slopes of about 10°. Stripping and shovel shaving revealed numerous (about 100) small circular areas that intruded into the red clay subsoil. These were mapped, then sampled with a one-inch tube corer. The majority proved to be tree root intrusions. However, three probable postmolds were identified based on the distinct interface between the intrusion and underlying subsoil. These features were excavated and their profiles recorded. No larger features were present, nor did the postmolds define any structural outlines. Laboratory analysis was conducted primarily by Scott Jones, a specialist in prehistoric lithic analysis. The excavations produced over 8900 artifacts, 97 percent of which consisted of locally occurring quartz. Debitage analysis indicates that late stage tool production was the predominant activity. Fragments of atlatl weights, a metate, several sherds of fiber-tempered pottery, projectile points, utilized flakes and other tool types suggest that the Late Archaic period occupation either was long-term, or the site was reoccupied several times. In the southeastern portion of the site only a few Woodland or Mississippian sherds were found during the excavations; most of the area containing this component lies outside the new right-of-way and was therefore unavailable for study. The research design recommended that 600 m2 of the site should be stripped. After stripping 340 m2 in areas that were most likely to contain features (i.e., the most level portions of the site) and meeting with generally negative results, we terminated fieldwork after conferring with GDOT archeologist Eric Duff. The two excavation blocks were backfilled and grass seed was spread across the disturbed areas. Excavations within the new right-of-way have produced modest information about the prehistoric use of the site. However, the excavations have effectively mitigated the adverse effects and loss of data that will result from road widening. We therefore recommend that construction should be allowed to proceed.