The coastal zone of Georgia is comprised of barrier islands, back barriers (hammocks or marsh islands) portions of the mainland coast, salt marsh-lagoon systems, tidal creeks, brackish water marshes, river channels, and maritime forest communities (Elliott and Sassaman 1995:7) (Figure 1). Native Americans inhabited the Georgia coastal zone for over 4500 years and they experienced changes in sea level and their concomitant effect on resource distribution. For over a century (e.g., Moore 1897), archaeologists have conducted excavations and research in the coastal region in order to understand why, how, and when these peoples occupied the landscape. Much of the archaeological research along the coast has centered on the large barrier islands (e.g., Sapelo, St. Catherines, Skidaway, etc.) that abut the Atlantic Ocean (e.g., Crook 1984; Thompson 2006, 2007; Thompson et al. 2004; Thomas 2008; Jefferies and Moore 2008). Less well understood are the smaller marsh islands, also referred to as hammocks or back barriers that are located between the large barrier islands and the mainland. The purpose of this report is to document our current research along on these marsh islands in terms of past human settlement and use.
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