Phase I Archaeology Survey for the Proposed Bridge Replacement at Brown Creek Road (CR 219) over Brown Creek Harris County, Georgia

Under contract with the Georgia Department of Transportation (GDOT), URS Corporation was tasked to conduct a Phase I Archaeological Survey (Phase I) of a proposed bridge replacement along Brown Creek Road/County Route (CR) 219 in Harris County, Georgia. The limits of disturbance around the proposed bridge and within the proposed right-of-way (ROW) have been defined as the Area of Potential Effect (APE). Properties within the APE include a mixed hardwood/pine forest with disturbed soils to the southwest, a mixed hardwood/pine forest with a small flat floodplain area to the southeast, and a cleared electrical transmission line, disturbed area, and mixed hardwood and pine forest to the northeast and northwest (see Figure 1). The purpose of the Phase I was to investigate the APE, define the nature of any archaeological resources present, and evaluate the resources under the implementing regulations for listing in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (36 Code of Federal Regulations [CFR] 800). Initially, reconnaissance surveys were conducted in January and March 2002. Aboveground features were not identified within the APE, although a rock outcrop was noted outside of the APE on a property to the southwest. No other artifacts or features were identified. The topography contained steep slopes and disturbed soil contexts, but a few areas warranted sub-surface investigation. In addition, background research was undertaken along with the initial reconnaissance surveys. Although rock walls and piles, and mounds of prehistoric origin have been documented within the county, no archaeological sites have been found within one mile of the proposed project site. Fieldwork for the Phase I was conducted on October 3, 2002 and on June 12, 2003. The APE was systematically surveyed with shovel test pits (STPs) placed at approximately 30-meter intervals. Based on the presence of push piles, exposed subsoil at the surface, and steep slopes over portions of the APE, STPs were placed judgmentally in contexts more likely to yield cultural materials. Steep areas and highly disturbed areas containing push piles, steep slopes (greater than 15 percent), deep cuts, and exposed subsoil were limited to pedestrian walkovers. None of the STPs yielded any artifacts, and no artifacts were identified as a result of the pedestrian surveys during field efforts. Additional investigations are not recommended, as it is improbable that significant information about prehistoric or historic cultures could be obtained from subsequent studies due to the disturbed depositional context of soils and the lack of cultural material within the APE. The project area's integrity of location, setting, feeling, and association has been compromised by earth-moving activities typically associated with planted pine properties and by utility or road construction, and is recommended not eligible for listing in the NRHP.. Further, areas considered to have a higher probability for containing intact cultural deposits are well outside of the APE and would not be impacted by the proposed project. Dr. William P. Barse served as Principal Investigator, Heather M. Colston authored the report and served as Field Director, Connie Tallman and Sarah Ens served as Field Assistants, Jamie Anderson prepared all accompanying graphics, and Chuck Wilson and Patricia Slade reviewed the document for style and consistency.