Cultural Resource Impact Mitigation for the Darien, Georgia Sewer System Project

The archaeological studies in Darien were required in order to mitigate the construction impacts of the federally funded waste water treatment system. The initial survey phase of this project had located five sites or sections within the City of Darien which were National Register eligible and would require additional archaeological studies. The research methodology included extensive background research, major excavations, and the analysis and synthesis of all recovered data. The background research included a document search, literature review, and oral history interviews. Field studies were oriented towards the judicious use of power equipment coupled with strategically located hand excavations. Analysis included zooarchaeolgical and physical anthropological studies, as well as artifact analysis. The results of the studies contribute to our understanding of both prehistoric and historic occupation of a nonbarrier island, river delta area on the Georgia coast. The prehistoric sites investigated encompassed Late Archaic (3000 B.C. - 1150 B.C.), Deptford/Swift Creek (500 B.C. - A.D. 700) and protohistoric occupations (A.D. 1275-1675). The Late Archaic site provides evidence of scattered occupation of the high bluffs above the delta. Subsistence appears to have centered on hunting/gathering of upland resources, such as hickory nuts and possibly including der or other large mammals. By the Deptford/Swift Creek period, occupation was centered on the bluff above the confluence of Cathead Creek and the Darien River. The Cathead Creek site provides evidence of the migration of the inland Swift Creek peoples down the Altamaha River to the coast. Faunal analysis indicates a probable year-round occupation of the site with dependence on estuarine and marsh resources. The site includes an extensive shell midden, scattered fringe occupation sites, burials, storage pits and hearths. Ceramics and radiocarbon dates place the site within the Late Swift Creek period. The presence of storage pits and lithic artifacts supports the inland origin of the cultural tradition. The protohistoric sites indicated a shift in the center of occupation the Lower Bluff area of Darien. While Faunal evidence still indicates a reliance on estuarine resources, the presence of loamy soils in that area may indicate an increasing dependence on horticulture. Investigations of historic sites in Darien have provided evidence of refuse patterns and activities within the older part of Darien. The major contribution of the historic site studies is the data obtained from the Darien Waterfront site. The Darien Waterfront site provides a unique opportunity to study a relatively undisturbed antebellum waterfront site. We have documented the presence of intact archaeological and historic structural features dating primarily to the period between 1810 and 1840. As a result of our studies we propose that there is a recognizable water-front pattern characterized by: (1) purposeful filling to increase the available usable land; (2) the presence of ballast material as components of structures, roads, and fill; (3) the presence of discreet deposits of culled goods; (4) a comparatively high proportion of artifacts from the kitchen category indicating the presence of dwellings and/or taverns; (5) limited artifactual evidence of commercial activities; and (6) a relative lack of faunal refuse. The goals of the Darien project were met. A significant archaeological data base was salvaged prior to destruction. The data makes an important contribution to our understanding of regional cultural development. The Darien project emphasizes the importance of managing the archaeological data base in the face of continuing commercial and residential development. It is very unlikely that a comparable waterfront archaeological data base exists anywhere else in the southeast. If managed wisely, as a nonrenewable resource, by a responsible steward, Darien will enjoy the benefits of having a well-documented and preserved national resource.