Archaeological Survey, George T. Bagby State Park

In accordance with a request from Jake Ingram dated March 2, 1982, an archaeological survey was conducted at George T. Bagby State Park in the area of a proposed access road on March 30, 1982 (see Map 1). Development in the park consists of installing a drain pipe in an existing drain bed and laying a gravel road on the surface from the main park road to the maintenance barn. The purpose of the survey was to insure that development does not inadvertently disturb or destroy archaeological resources. In order to identify archaeologically significant areas, previous examinations within the park property were reviewed. These consisted of four reports prepared by John R. Morgan, Staff Archaeologist, Historic Preservation Section, Georgia Department of Natural Resources (1977, 1978, 1979 and 1980). Although no archaeological resources were observed during these examinations, and no archaeological sites are recorded in the vicinity of the proposed road, the' proximity of Kolomoki and the Chattahoochee River support the possibility for resources in the area (Morgan, 1977:2). In addition to the literature search, an intensive pedestrian survey of the area was conducted. The proposed access road consists of a 400 foot long, one lane gravel passage from the main park road to the maintenance barn (see Map 2). A portion of the area, from the main road approximately half way to the barn was marked with red flagging. The remainder of the proposed corridor was delineated to the archaeologist by the Park Superintendent, Mr. Michael Crook. The area involved consists of sandy alluvial soil partially covered with a grassy turf. Layers of pine needles sporadically cover the surface, however visibility was excellent. The survey of the area was conducted by first, walking a straight line along the proposed route; second, zigzagging the route and cleaning off the overburden (a light layer of pine needles) every one to two meters where merited. The surface sod within the route was troweled clear every four to five meters to enhance surface visibility. Third, the border of the route was walked and cleaned of overburden every one to two meters. With the methods and techniques employed, no archaeological resources were identified in the area surveyed. The planned development will not adversely effect archaeological resources.