Archaeological Testing of Site 9WB24 Webster County, Georgia

On 17-21 February 2003, Brockington and Associates, Inc., conducted archaeological testing at site 9WB24 in Webster County, Georgia. Site 9WB24, a small, predominantly prehistoric lithic and ceramic scatter, is situated on a low terrace approximately 100 meters (328 ft) west of Lanahassee Creek, on the north side of State Route (SR) 153. A very small surface scatter of historic ceramic and glass, which is located on the south side of SR 153 and is a component of this site, was not excavated due to ground surface disturbance caused by the road. Site 9WB24 was identified during a Phase I archaeological survey conducted by Brockington and Associates, Inc., in October 2002. A proposed bridge replacement and associated improvements prompted this survey. This report incorporates the results of both the survey and testing phases. Survey investigations at 9WB24 consisted of 32 shovel tests, 10 of which contained cultural material. These shovel tests were initially excavated at 30 meter (98 ft) intervals along two parallel transects placed approximately 15 to 20 meters (49 to 66 ft) from the northern and southern edges of SR 153; upon finding cultural material, shovel test intervals were reduced to 15 meters (49 ft) to define site boundaries. Due to the lack of archaeological research conducted in Webster County, and the apparent integrity of 9WB24 (two shovel tests produced material to a depth of 70 cm [28 in]), the site was recommended potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Phase II testing was recommended. During the testing investigation, 52 shovel tests (22 of which contained cultural material) were excavated at 7.5 meter (25 ft) intervals to further define site boundaries and identify any other artifact concentrations. Three 1 by 2 meter (3.3 by 6.6 ft) square units were then excavated in areas considered to have the highest potential for intact subsurface cultural deposits and features. Artifacts recovered during testing consisted of pottery fragments, projectile point/knife (PPK) fragments, and Coastal Plain chert debris, some of which was heat treated. Unit 201 extended approximately 120 cm (47 in), Unit 202 extended approximately 90 cm (35 in), and Unit 203 extended approximately 80 cm (32 in) below datum. No evidence of intact subsurface features was encountered. A portion of 9WB24 will be impacted by the proposed right-of-way, creating a potential adverse effect. However, results of archaeological testing indicate that this area contains no significant cultural deposits. Although the concentration of artifacts within the proposed right-of-way includes a moderate density of lithic and ceramic material, the area to be impacted by proposed construction is ineligible for the NRHP. Site use appears to have been for lithic reduction and reworking. The small quantity of diagnostic artifacts and the absence of preserved subsurface features contributes to the recommendation of ineligibility for 9WB24. Brockington and Associates, Inc., therefore recommends that no additional archaeological survey, testing, or mitigation is necessary within the proposed right-of-way.