Cultural Resources Survey for the Proposed Gillsville Transmission Line, Jackson County, Georgia

An intensive cultural resources survey was carried out for the Georgia Transmission Corporation's proposed Gillsville Transmission Line in Jackson County, Georgia. The project was carried out in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61. The total area surveyed included approximately 9.7 km (6.0 miles) of transmission line right-of-way. The transmission line right-of-way was 30 m (100 ft) wide through its entire length. The proposed transmission line begins at an existing substation and ends at a transmission line tap point, near another existing substation. No previously identified historic or prehistoric cultural resources were located within the project corridor boundaries through background research at the Georgia State Historic Preservation Division nor with the State Site Files Database maintained by the Department of Anthropology, University of Georgia. No historic structures were identified in the project area during field reconnaissance. One (1) pre-1949 building was located in the vicinity of the proposed transmission line, within the area of potential visual effect, but more than 50 m (165 ft) from the edge of the right-of-way proper. The building is an abandoned massed-plan hall and parlor style dwelling with north side and rearward additions. The building's condition is very poor with no intact unique architectural features. The interior has been largely gutted, but some of the beadboard walls and ceilings survive. The chimney is gone and most of the building is on the verge of collapse. This resource is recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places. One (1) NRHP-eligible historic district (not yet nominated) lies close to the northern end of the proposed transmission line. The West Holly Springs Historic District is a grouping of six historic dwellings (and their outbuildings) representing a rural kinship community. The proposed NRHP boundary for the district lies entirely outside the proposed transmission line right-of-way. Although it lies within visual distance near Holly Springs Road, the transmission line should have no adverse effect on the resource, since an existing substation (the Gillsville Substation) already lies adjacent to the district. Several prominent transmission lines are already incorporated in the district as well. No archaeological localities were encountered during the field survey. The proposed project will not affect significant archaeological resources.