Archaeological Survey for the Proposed Bells Ferry Road Widening Project, Cherokee County, Georgia

TRC was contracted by Delon Hampton and Associates to carry out a Phase I archaeological survey for the proposed Bells Ferry Road widening project in Cherokee County, Georgia. This survey consisted of background research and field investigations to identify all archaeological resources within the project area. The approximately 150foot-wide corridor extends for a distance of approximately 2.5 miles along Bells Ferry Road from its intersection with Lynford Lane to the Little River Bridge. Background research conducted at the state archaeological site files at the University of Georgia in Athens revealed that there are no previously recorded archaeological sites within the proposed project area. Within one kilometer of the project area there are 15 previously recorded archaeological sites, which will not be affected by the proposed project. The current archaeological survey identified one archaeological site (9CK1187) located within the proposed right-of-way approximately 110 m southeast of the intersection of Bells Ferry Road and Wyngate Parkway. This resource is a prehistoric and historic site of unknown age, which yielded a small assemblage of lithic materials and a historic ceramic sherd from depths between 0 and 20 cm below surface. The results of the investigations indicated that 9CK1187 is not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places because the site appears to have received only ephemeral use, and there is no evidence of buried deposits. No further investigations are recommended. In summary, no further consideration of cultural resources is recommended in advance of the proposed project.