Phase I Archaeological Survey of the Proposed Tanyard Creek Trail, Fulton County, Georgia

During June 2008, Edwards-Pitman Environmental, Inc. (EPEI) conducted a Phase I archaeological survey of the proposed Tanyard Creek Trail project corridor. The proposed tril would extend primarily through the Tanyard Creek Park owned and managed by the City of Atlanta. The proposed project is part of the Atlanta Belt Line which seeks to combine greenspace, trails, transit, and new development along 22 miles of former rail segments that encircle the urban core of Atlanta. The project is part of the transit, trails, and transportation component of the Belt Line Project. The total length of the project is approximately 0.9 miles. The project was conducted for the City of Atlanta under a contract with the PATH Foundation. A review of the Site Files UGA showed five previously identified archaeological sites within one kilometer radius of the project area. The proposed project would have no effect on these sites since they are outside the area of potential effect (APE) of the present undertaking. During the current investigation, one previously unrecorded archaeological resource, 9FU548, was identified. This site is the remains of a mid-nineteenth century grist mill with a component relating to the July 20, 1864 Battle of Peachtree Creek. Due to it's historical significance and potential to yeild additional significant information, 9FU548 is recommended as potentially eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NHRP). Following consultation with the PATH Foundation, the project has been redesigned to avoid impacts to this resource. In addition to 9FU548, one isolated find was identified during the current undertaking. The isolated find, a prehistoric chert thinning flake, is of low research potential and therefore is recommended ineligible for the NHRP.