On May 16, 1972, I (with the assistance of Mr. Larry Wills) made a preliminary archaeological survey of proposed new highway routes to the south and east of Ellijay, Georgia. I was able to spend a few hours on this initial visit, and to investigate only a portion of the terrain covered by the highway proposal. Also, much of the ground was in woods, pasture, or weeds, and as a result of this cover an adequate evaluation of the archaeological potential could not be made. Even with these limitations, abundant evidence of archaeological remains were found in the areas investigated. Three sites were recorded, (information on location, extent, and materials collected is included with this report ). It is recommended that before any decision is made regarding the acceptance or rejection of either of the proposed highway routes, an adequate archaeological survey (surface coverage and test excavations where needed) be made of the areas in question. After such a survey is completed, the archaeologist can then make recommendations on the location (or locations) that would cause the least damage or destruction to archaeological and historical sites. If such damage or destruction is unavoidable, then recommendations could be made for proper salvage excavation of the affected sites.
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