A Cultural Resources Survey of the Proposed Kettle Creek Substation and Wilsonville-Kettle Creek Transmission Line, Ware and Coffee Counties, Georgia

Oglethorpe Power Corporation contracted with Southeastern Archeological Services, Inc. to conduct an intensive cultural resources survey of a proposed 37.7 km (23.4 mi) transmission line and 10.9 ha (27 ac) substation in Ware and Coffee Counties, Georgia. The purpose of the survey was to locate and evaluate the significance of all cultural resources (archeological sites and standing structures) that could be impacted by the construction and maintenance of the facilities. Our survey identified five previously unrecorded prehistoric and historic archeological sites and one isolated artifact occurrence. Of the sites, one is a prehistoric lithic scatter, one a prehistoric artifact scatter, one a prehistoric and historic artifact scatter, and two are historic house sites. Our survey also documented four structures that appear to be older than fifty years and that are within view of the proposed facilities. Twentieth century trash piles and broad areas containing evidence of turpentining were noted but not considered sites. The prehistoric sites are characterized by sparse scatters of artifacts, mostly in areas disturbed by plowing or road grading. Component information was obtained from two of the prehistoric sites based on the presence of one identifiable sherd from each. The historic sites also contained few artifacts (all twentieth century) and little or no physical remains of structures; both were heavily disturbed by bulldozing. We recommend that the five sites and the occurrence are not eligible for the National Register of Historic Places because they fail to meet the criteria for eligibility, mainly in that they are not likely to yield additional important information. They have provided us with some basic information but are not likely to yield more important information due to the very low density of artifacts and their poor preservation. We recommend no further work at any of these sites. In regard to the standing structures, consulting architectural historian Dr. William Chapman, recommends that none of the four are eligible for listing in the National Register, mainly because of loss of integrity and lack of context. It is the recommendation of the principal investigator that no significant (potentially eligible) cultural resources will be affected by the proposed transmission line and substation and that, in regard to cultural resources, the project be given clearance to proceed.