Archaeological and Historical Assessment, Augusta Canal Hydroelectric Project, Richmond County

In November and December 1983, an intensive archaeological and historical assessment of the proposed Augusta Canal Hydroelectric Facility, Richmond County, Georgia, was undertaken by Baldwin & Cranston Associates, Inc. under the direction of William R. Bowen, Archaeologist, as principal investigator and Thomas H. Robertson as assistant investigator. The purpose of the assessment was to identify archaeological resources within the site area, to assess the significance o lack of significance of identified resources, to determine the effect of the project upon such resources, to recommend mitigating measures to lessen any adverse effects, and to assess the effects of the project upon two designated National Register properties, the Historic Augusta Canal and Industrial District and the Stalling's Island site. The survey was divided into two phases. Phase I consisted of background research, including archaeological site file inspections, review of previous excavations and reports, archival research, land title examinations, reviews of National Register inventory data, and studies of other sources such as maps and aerial photography. Phase II consisted of field inspections, including a pedestrian walkthrough, shovel testing, and mechanical trenching and soil stripping. These investigations led to the identification of three prehistoric archaeological sites, two of which, 9Ri (DOT) 27 and 9Ri (DOT) 28, are deemed worthy of National Register of Historic Places eligibility determination. If these sites are to be affected by project construction, measures should be taken to insure adequate mitigation through preservation, protection, or data recovery. Section 106 procedures set forth in the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and detailed in Code of Federal Regulation 36CRF800 should be followed to see that these actions are properly carried out. Proposed water level alterations at the Stalling's Island Site, located in the Savannah River upstream of the Augusta Canal Lock and Dam, will be within normal fluctuations of present flow and will therefore create no effects upon the site, other than those already present. The research on the Historic Augusta Canal and Industrial District showed the site of the magazine of the Confederate States Powder Works to be on a former island across the canal, but outside of the project site. The title examination revealed the existence of no specific early historic improvements within the immediate project area; and none were found during the archaeological field work phase. An assessment of the effects of the proposed construction on the Historic Augusta Canal and Industrial District has been made. The completion of the W.P.A. spillway will likely have no adverse effect, provided the old towpath or road along the canal bank remains passable. The effect of the architecture of the proposed buildings will depend upon the type of architecture to be employed in each; that is, the proposed powerhouse, intake, and other structures exposed to view. No adverse effect will result if these structures be designed in an aesthetically pleasing contemporary manner, or if the new facilities be styled with nineteenth century detailing to blend in with the old. Strictly utilitarian styling should be avoided. A continuing flow should be maintained in the lower reaches of the First Level Canal and from there into the lower levels beyond. A qualified archaeologist should be placed on call during construction to evaluate any materials or artifacts excavated during dredging operations. The proposed new bulkhead across the canal should include a boat chamber or lock to provide for unimpeded navigation.