Archaeological Resources Survey and Testing of the Eastern Portion of the Northern Arc

Under a subcontract with Greenhorne & O'Mara (contracting with the Georgia Department of Transportation [GDOT]), Brockington and Associates, Inc., performed an intensive archaeological resources survey (Phase I) within the proposed corridor for the eastern portion of the Northern Arc, Gwinnett and Forsyth Counties, Georgia. Survey was followed by archaeological testing (Phase II) at one site. Archaeological fieldwork was conducted in conjunction with a Historic Resource Survey. Fieldwork and preliminary background research for these tasks have been completed in compliance with Section 106 of the National Historic Preservation Act of 1966 and with regulations implementing this legislation (36 CFR Part 800: Protection of Historic Properties). Our investigations were conducted between 29 April and 2 July 2002, and included background research and field investigations, as specified in the project Scope of Work. The project corridor extends from Georgia Highway 400 east- southeast to Georgia Highway 316. The project corridor averages 122 meters (400 ft) wide, and includes approximately 40 km (25 miles) of new location corridor, and approximately 355 hectares (875 acres) of proposed major intersections. Improvements to existing intersections account for an additional 65 hectares (160 acres). Two corridors were surveyed at the proposed Chattahoochee River crossing. Background research focused on documenting previously recorded significant or potentially significant cultural resources (i.e., archaeological resources considered potentially eligible, eligible, or listed on the National Register of Historic Place [NRHP]). Field investigation focused on identifying and evaluating all archaeological resources within the project corridor. We recorded and evaluated ten (10) previously unrecorded archaeological sites (9GW534-543) and seventeen (17) isolated finds during our field investigations. All of the archaeological resources examined during our survey are in Gwinnett County. Two previously recorded sites were revisited (9GW325, 9GW355), one of which (9GW355) is within a proposed corridor right-of-way. Limited testing was conducted at site 9GW542, and close-interval shovel testing determined Phase II testing would not be necessary at site 9GW541. The remaining sites consist of six prehistoric lithic scatters and two house sites of greatly varying ages. Survey of previously recorded sites was used to correct the locations of the sites and further evaluate their eligibility for the NRHP. Seventeen isolated finds were also recorded during our survey. Ultimately none of the sites or isolated finds are recommended eligible for the NRHP. No further archaeological fieldwork should be required, and archaeological clearance is recommended for the eastern portion of the Northern Arc.