Cultural Resource Survey Persimmon Creek Bridge Number 32.020, Rabun County, Georgia

Persimmon Creek Bridge is scheduled for expansion during FY 1977. The bridge, part of FS 32, is a cement structure spanning 20-foot wide Persimmon Creek. The author examined the bridge and the adjacent area which is subject to alteration. The project is located in District 1, Land lot 58. A search of available titles indicated that the property was purchased by the Federal Government from J. H. Derrick in 1941. At the time of purchase, the area was characterized by mixed oaks, poplar and pine. Lands adjacent to moderately flowing Persimmon Creek were extensively cultivated (U. S. Forest Service, 1940). The soils of the area include the Hayesville, Halewood, and Porters series. Those on the floodplain are loams and very fine sandy loams. A plat of the project area shows a dam one-half mile upstream from the bridge (Figure A). The origin or nature of the dam is not referenced in title narratives; however, a "4 acre gold mine lot not offered by J. H. Derrick" is noted (U. S. Forest Service 1940). Both resources are outside the project area. On May 6, 1977, the author visited the project area. Mr. J. H. Kilby, whose residence and farm lies within 100' feet of the bridge, was approached for information regarding historic or prehistoric materials on or near the bridge. He could recall none. A pedestrian survey of the bridge and proposed project area yielded no cultural resources. No cultural resources were observed within or near the project area. No sites which are on or are eligible for inclusion in the National Register occur within the project area. The project complies with the Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and subsequent rules and regulations.