An Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Harbor Light Marina Shoal Creek Expansion, Hart County, Georgia

Harbor Light Marina wishes to expand its operations on Lake Hartwell by constructing a new marina facility on a peninsula north of Shoal Creek and south of Interstate Highway 85 in northwestern Hart County. The area of the proposed expansion is owned by the U. S. Army Corps of Engineers, Savannah District, and would be leased. To be in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, the Corps of Engineers required the marina to conduct an intensive (Phase I) archeological survey of the tract in order to identify significant cultural resources that could be affected by the proposed undertaking. The area of potential effect for the project is the entire 20 ha (49 ac) lease tract. Plans for development of the tract have not been finalized, but the project may include new roads, parking areas, boat slips, a dry stack facility, docks and a few buildings. One previously recorded archeological site (9HA 14) is documented in state archeological site files for the project area, and one house site older than 50 years was shown on county maps. The project area was archeologically surveyed on February 18 and 20, 2000 and four sites and one artifact occurrence was recorded. One site, 9HA43, is recommended as potentially eligible for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places. The other three sites and one occurrence are recommended not eligible for the National Register. Potentially eligible site 9HA43 should be protected from any earth disturbing activity until plans for dealing with it have been finalized. Options for the site include 1) canceling marina expansion plans; 2) avoiding any development within site boundaries; or 3) conducting site testing and assessment of 9HA43. If the site is found to be eligible, a memorandum of agreement with the Corps of Engineers and other federal and state officials will need to be prepared to protect and/or salvage the site. If the site is found to be not eligible, no further measures would be required.