Cultural Resources Survey and Assessment Jerry Jones Road/CR 784 Improvements Valdosta, Lowndes County, Georgia

The City of Valdosta, Georgia and the Georgia Dept. of Transportation propose improvements to four intersections on Jerry Jones Road/SR 784 in Valdosta. The project also includes construction of a new spillway and metal bulkhead at JoRee Millpond dam. SouthArc, Inc. completed a cultural resource survey for the project to comply with Section 1 06 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966, as amended. The Area of Potential Effect for the project was defined as the existing right-of-way at the four intersections and the existing dam. Archaeological subsurface testing was completed at three of the four intersections and at either end of the dam. One intersection was excluded due to the presence of deep swales within the right-of-way. Historic research and historic structure evaluation were completed throughout the project corridor. The survey resulted in identification of three sites: Lake Drive archaeological site: six fragments of prehistoric lithic debitage from two test units in a disturbed context. The site has no research potential and is not significant or eligible for the National Register. No adverse effect. Crestwood house: this 1915 Colonial Revival house is listed on the National Register and is located approximately 300 feet from the Area of Potential Effect. However, it is buffered from the corridor by landscaping and more recent houses. No adverse effect. JoRee Millpond Dam: the dam was built between 1833 and 1854 using slave labor. The original earthen dam was modified by addition of a concrete water control structure in approximately 1910, and again in the mid-20th century. The dam is significant and eligible for the National Register under criteria A, B and C. There will be an adverse effect, but this effect is somewhat mitigated by location on the upstream side of the dam. In addition, if the proposed modifications are not made, the dam may fail. Thus the modifications, in effect, will help preserve the historic structure. We recommend documentation of the existing structure prior to construction.