Interim Report of Archaeological Investigations, April 1977, Hames Rock Shelter, 9-HM-31, Habersham County, Georgia

The Hames Rock Shelter, 9-Hm-31 , was discovered during the archeological survey of Structure 42, Soque Watershed, as proposed by the USDA, Soil Conservation Service; undertaken by Marvin T. Smith on June 14-16, 1976 . Smith states in his field notes: " 6/15/76. Found a small rock shelter (or rock overhang). Testing produced one 2 - hole stone gorget. At this point scratching around ceased so as not to destroy any more of the site. The gorget was found east of a large stone on the floor. Shelter is 1.83 m. deep and 4 m. wide. Test #20 in front of the shelter, about halfway to the stream produced only sterile alluvium to 2.1 ft . There was a change at 1.5 ft. to sandy clay from a brown sand." Smith elaborated on this in his report of Preliminary Reconnaissance; it was obvious, however, that this information was not adequate for a determination or judgement of significance. From the size and estimated shallow depth of the shelter it was also obvious that testing the subsurface of the existing floor level might have the effect of "mitigating" the site altogether, an action not covered in the scope - of-work of the work order. Since the property was privately owned and no Federal funds could be expended in an action that might destroy a site possibly eligible for listing on the National Register of Historic Places, it was decided that the testing would be conducted without charge to the Soil Conservation Service, 'provided that the owner gave his personal permission. Mr . Hames did give his verbal permission to test the shelter floor and the staff of the Archeological Survey of Cobb - Fulton Counties donated their time and services as a cooperative effort to complete the data gathering process.