Phase I Cultural Resources Survey of the Exley Tract, Effingham County, Georgia

From 14 to 25 March 2005, Brockington and Associates, Inc. conducted an intensive cultural resources survey of the Exley Tract in Effingham County, Georgia. The survey tract consisted of approximately 714 acres. This investigation was carried out for Sligh Environmental Consultants, Inc. and was conducted in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act, and 36 CFR Part 800, by personnel qualified under 36 CFR Part 61, Appendix A. Background research found no previously recorded archaeological resources within the project tract and 26 within a 1.6-km (1-mi) radius. Seven of these sites are recommended eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP) (9EF94, 9EF245, 9CH917, 9CH919, 9CH920, 9CH929, 9CH944). Phase I cultural resources survey consisted of screened shovel tests at 30-meter (100-ft) intervals. A visual inspection of all exposed ground surfaces and slopes was also conducted. Three prehistoric (Late Archaic to Middle Mississippian) archaeological resources were discovered (9EF268, 9EF269 and 9EF270). These sites are recommended ineligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Archaeological resources clearance is recommended. Architectural resources survey consisted of vehicular and pedestrian reconnaissance of the project area and its surrounding view shed to identify any properties exceeding 50 years in age that might be eligible for the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Research conducted at the Georgia Historic Preservation Division determined no NRHP previously listed properties were within 0.8 km (0.5 mi) of the project tract. The Seaboard Coast Rail Road, an active rail road, bounds the western side of the project tract and is considered an eligible historic property by the Georgia Department of Natural Resources, Historic Preservation Division. The portion of the rail road on the project tract is recommended ineligible for the NRHP. No architectural resources were identified during field survey. Architectural resources clearance is recommended.