An Archaeological and Historical Assessment for the Brunswick Utility Corridor, Glynn County, Georgia

This report presents the findings of an intensive cultural resource assessment survey of a 5.1 mile utility corridor and an additional 97 square acres in Glynn County, Georgia. The archaeological and historical assessment was performed in February 1999, by Environmental Services, Inc. (ESI) of Savannah, Georgia, for the Branigar Organization, Inc. The goals of the investigation were to locate all cultural resources within the project area, and to assess their significance and potential eligibility for listing in the National Register of Historic Places, as mandated by federal laws and guidelines (Code of Federal Regulations [CFR), Title 36, Chapter VIII, Part 800 [36 CFR 800]). Prior to the present investigation, ESI performed two surveys in the same geographical vicinity for Branigar. These included HABS-HAER documentation of a portion of the Brunswick-Altamaha Canal in 1994, and an intensive assessment survey of the 730 acre Golden Isles R-4 tract (Chance et al. 1997). During the cultural and environmental studies conducted by ESI, much of the project vicinity has been traversed, and considerable archaeological, soil, and wetland data have been compiled. USDA (1980) soil data identify the area as consisting of very poorly drained, poorly drained, and somewhat poorly drained land. Prior to the previous large survey (Chance et al. 1997), a scope of work was formulated that focused on testing the better drained soils. Water inundates large portions of the acreage and obviates the need for, or ability to, conduct subsurface testing in certain areas. The scope was approved by the State Historic Preservation Officer (SHPO) prior to fieldwork. The same factual and theoretical framework guided the present corridor project. For the Brunswick Corridor study, an analysis of historic maps and documents was undertaken by a historian and the archaeologists in an attempt to identify the historic contexts required by the State Preservation Plan and to determine where historic site components might be expected in association with the utility corridor. Because almost all the study area parallels roads, special emphasis was placed on historic plantation boundaries, free black settlements, and historic roadways; prehistoric sites were also sought in non-wetland locations. County records, historic maps, and other documentary resources were consulted in Brunswick, Savannah, and Athens. Historical research was conducted at several local and regional repositories, including the Brunswick Public Library, Fort Frederica National Monument, the Georgia Historical Society, the Glynn County Courthouse, Hofwyl-Broadfield Plantation, the Map Library at the University of Georgia, and the U.S. Geological Service. In addition, state records in Atlanta and federal records from Washington were consulted. An effort was made to determine whether the boundaries of the plantations overlapped with those of the study area, and whether any historic structures or communities originally lay along the corridor. Historical research indicates that substantial nineteenth century agricultural development occurred outside the project area to the east and north at Hopeton, Altamaha, Elizafield, Evelyn, Grantly, and Hofwyl-Broadfield plantations. African American settlements appeared in the vicinity during the nineteenth century. The Brunswick-Altamaha Canal, a nineteenth century feature located along the eastern boundary, has been determined eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The field study was conducted from February 8-12, 1999 by Greg C. Smith (Principal Investigator), Steven A. Ferrell, and Mary K. Herron. Methods included a thorough pedestrian inspection and intensive subsurface testing. Shovel testing was conducted at 30- and 60-meter intervals throughout the length of the corridor and the 97 acre parcel, with the exception of wetland areas. Supplemental tests were also dug at 15-meter intervals to delineate subsurface remains. A total of 157 shovel tests was dug, of which six (3.8 %) were positive. the Brunswick Utility Corridor project proceed as planned. During fieldwork one small historic site was recorded. Based on its ability to provide new information regarding the history of the area, the site is judged eligible for listing in the National Register of Historic Places. The site will be avoided during installation of the utility corridor and will be preserved in place for further archaeological and archival research. Because there will be no effect on historical resources, it is recommended that the Bunswick Utility Corridor project proceed as planned.