An archaeological research project was conducted in July of 1998 on the Four Chimneys Site at the Scull Shoals Historic Mill Complex in Greene County, GA. The project was administered by the United States Forest Service through their 'Passport In Time' volunteer service program. Archaeological research concentrated on yard deposits and architectural remains of a 30 by 40 foot domestic dwelling situated on a high knoll approximately 2000 feet northwest of the Mill Complex. Archaeological data recovered included brick and stone foundation pillars; chimney bases; chimney stacks; the dwelling configuration; a likely midden in the eastern yard; a multiple stone feature of unknown function; a possible well of abnormally large size; sheet trash deposits in the eastern, southern and northern yards; and an undisturbed Archaic period Aboriginal site. Preliminary interpretation defines the site as a domestic dwelling likely built as a private home that may have served as a boarding house later in time. Certain architectural artifacts suggest a ca. 1828 construction date for the dwelling and definitive evidence shows that the structure was destroyed by a significant fire event probably in the late nineteenth century. No evidence was found suggesting that the building was rebuilt. Other artifacts also indicate that a well-to-do family lived on this property during the active mill period. Suggestive evidence exists that an industrial-based activity took place on the site in the late nineteenth/early twentieth century that may be associated with the large well.
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