Archaeological Survey of the Upland Portions of a Proposed Base Expansion Area, Robins Air Force Base, Houston County, Georgia

Archaeological survey was conducted in the upland portions of a 600 acre tract being considered for purchase by Robins Air Force Base in Houston County, Georgia. The survey examined 23 acres of uplands and suspected uplands to determine if archaeological remains were present. The survey utilized screened shovel tests at 30 m intervals to locate sites and screened tests at 10 m intervals to define site boundaries. Site center points and boundary points were plotted with GPS technology. The survey resulted in the discovery of four sites and the reexamination of one previously discovered site. One site is a sparse scatter of lithic debris; no diagnostic artifacts were recovered. One site is recommended as ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). One site was a very sparse lithic scatter, represented by one flake in each of two shovel tests. No diagnostic artifacts were recovered. One site is recommended as ineligible for the NRHP. One site is also referred to as the old Wellston Cemetery. This cemetery includes two fenced plots, marked graves outside the plots, and unmarked graves. The minimum use span indicated by markers was 1846-1979. The site does not offer outstanding historical significance or archaeological potential and is recommended as ineligible for the NRHP. However, it is recommended that a formal cemetery delineation be undertaken to assure proper preservation of this cemetery. No ground-disturbing activity should be allowed in the cemetery area. One site is a raised logging road from the edge of the uplands through the high swamp to the low swamp. This road was likely associated with the cypress logging industry of the early twentieth century. Because this site was beyond the survey area, site evaluation was not undertaken. One site is recommended as potentially eligible until testing can be pursued. No ground-disturbing activities should occur on this site. The survey also reexamined the previously discovered of a site. Although the site was originally described as badly disturbed and ineligible, the present survey found dense lithic deposits to at least 80 cm below surface. Diagnostic artifacts include Early Archaic and Middle Archaic projectile points. The site may contain stratified deposits that can confidently be linked to a specific period of prehistory. The site appears to have sufficient artifact density and diversity to address meaningful questions. Testing would be necessary to verify this apparent potential, and the site should be considered potentially eligible for the NRHP. No ground-disturbing activities should be allowed on this site. If the cemetery, another site, and another site are preserved in place, cultural resources clearance to purchase and construct is recommended for the remainder of the uplands. If any disturbance is to occur in the swamp portions of the purchase tract, intensive survey and geomorphological research should be pursued to ensure that no cultural resources are present.