An Archaeological Investigation at Andersonville National Historic Site, Sumter and Macon Counties, Georgia

An Archaeological investigation of the Andersonville National Historic Site, Sumter and Macon Counties, Georgia, was initiated October 8, 1973 and continued until October 19, 1973 under the field direction of Lewis H. Larson, Jr. (Professor of Anthropology, West Georgia College). Subsequent field research was initiated March 28, 1974 and continued until May 31, 1974 under the field direction of Morgan R. Crook, Jr. All research operations were under the supervision of Lewis H. Larson, Jr. The field methods utilized during the Archaeological investigation consisted of manual labor techniques. A field crew of 3 to 6 men excavated the tested areas with shovels and trowels. Mechanical techniques were utilized only for moving the excavated back dirt. The Bench Marks, grid stations and elevations were shot with a transit and the excavation units and associated features were mapped with an alidade. Photographs were taken with a 4" X 5" Graflex and a 35mm Nikon F. The test units were excavated with regard to the natural stratigraphy of the area when possible, otherwise 6 inch levels were maintained. Each excavation unit was designated by its southeastern corner station number. All units of measurement used at Andersonville are in feet and inches (Larson's measurements in feet and inches (outer stockade line, middle stockade line). Crook's measurements in feet and 10th of feet (elsewhere)) because of the historic nature of the site. The following features were located and recorded at Andersonville: The Outer Stockade Line north of the prison enclosure, The Middle Stockade Line north of the prison enclosure, The Northwest Corner of the Inner Stockade (Feature I.S.l., Possible Dead-Line Post Position, Feature I.S.2.), The Northeast Corner of the Inner Stockade (Possible Dead-Line Post Position, Shallow Trench Encompassing the Northeast Corner), The North Gate of the Inner Stockade. a. Gully at the North Gate of the Inner Stockade. The primary objectives of the Archaeological investigation were to locate and record prison features and provide preliminary details of construction techniques. The author sincerely thanks John Jenson, the staff and personnel of the Andersonville National Historic Site for their kindness and assistance during the course of the Archaeological investigation.