Intensive Archaeological Survey of Portions of the North Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station, Gordon County, Georgia

In the winter of 1996-1997, Garrow & Associates, Inc., conducted intensive archaeological survey of selected portions of the 653 acre North Georgia Agricultural Experiment Station in Gordon County, Georgia. The work was undertaken to assist the University of Georgia in complying with the Georgia Environmental Protection Act (GEPA). The Ridge and Valley tract is characterized by a rich and diverse archaeological record. The project included background research, limited oral history, field survey, and limited machine-assisted scraping. The field survey addressed several areas. The three upland areas of the tract (60, 29, and 51 acres) were examined through screened shovel tests at 20 m intervals. Proposed water lines in the bottomland portions of the tract were likewise investigated by screened shovel tests every 20 m. The proposed locations of corner posts and well points were examined with screened shovel tests. In addition, four 50 x 50 em units were judgmentally placed on the bottomland. Because of the potential for human remains or other significant features, machine-assisted scraping was undertaken in seven areas slated for barn, shop, house, fuel tank, and drain field construction. The scraping was undertaken to assure that no significant features or burials were present in the areas of proposed activity. The survey resulted in the discovery or revisit of 15 archaeological sites, ranging from sparse lithic scatters to stone box burial grounds to a Mississippian mound and village. The following table details the National Register of Historic Places recommendation for each site. The university is encouraged to implement a Management Plan for this property. Key. elements of the plan include preservation in place of eligible or potentially eligible sites, training of station personnel, patrolling the property, consultation with the State Attorney General regarding applicability of the Georgia Abandoned Cemeteries and Burial Grounds Act, and machine-assisted stripping in proposed construction areas. Because ·eligible properties will be minimally impacted by the proposed GEPA-permit actions, the university is encouraged to enter into a Memorandum of Agreement with the State Historic Preservation Office.