An Intensive Cultural Resource Assessment Survey of the Altamaha Park Recreational Trails Expansion, Glynn County, Georgia

On April 24 and 25, 2000, a crew from Environmental Services, Inc. (ESI) performed an intensive archaeological survey along a 64.9-acre tract, associated with the expansion of the Altamaha Park Recreational Area. The proposed impacts are minimal and include the development of a walking trail and a primitive camping area. The survey was conducted for the Glynn County Community Development Department and served to help them comply with state and federal regulations regarding the identification and management of cultural resources that might occur within the project area. Field investigations were conducted with the intent of locating and documenting any prehistoric or historic archaeological resources and to obtain enough information about such sites to allow ESI to offer recommendations. The proposed expansion lies along the north and west side of the existing Altamaha Park, found in northwestern Glynn County. The project tract lies on the right bank of the Altamaha River, just north of the abandoned CSX railroad line. A north-to-south flowing slough bisects the tract. The tract to the east of the slough is presently an island, which exhibits low-lying, frequently flooded marsh, with a prominent, yet undulating rise in the northern portion. The area adjacent and to the west of the slough is slightly higher and drier than the remainder of the project area. This tract measures approximately 450 m (north-south) by 80 m (east-west) and received the greatest amount of testing. The remaining portion of the survey tract, found to the north, west, and south of this high and dry ground, was low-lying and wet. The field investigations consisted of an intensive visual examination of the entire tract, supplemented by subsurface testing throughout the area deemed amenable for habitation. Sporadic shovel probes were placed within the low-lying wet areas. Some of these tests were only partially screened and some were just shovel skimmed, due to their low site probability characteristics. Essentially, if testing revealed soils which were comparatively wet, and exposed to frequent flooding, then they received less attention. A total of 31 shovel tests were dug and screened through '/4 inch mesh, within the areas deemed medium-to-high probability. These tests measured 30 cm in diameter and were excavated to depths ranging between 30 and 110 cm. Testing was generally deep and the mean shovel test depth was computed at 80.67 cm. Additional investigations included inspecting the bank profiles along the edges of the river and the sloughs. As a result of the intensive investigations, one archaeological site and one isolated find were encountered. The site, on the other hand, is considered a valuable resource and may exhibit significant research potential. This site is recommended as potentially eligible for listing with the National Register of Historic Places, in accordance with National Register Criteria 36 CFR 60. Avoidance is the recommended action for this tract, and based on consultation with park personnel, this option seems feasible. Additionally, the CSX railroad bed has been considered eligible for NRHP inclusion; however, no impacts associated with the proposed park expansion threaten this resource.