Submitted by TRC (770-270-1192)

Since the summer, TRC has continued to work hard on pipeline (and other) projects across the Southeast. In Georgia, we have carried out a handful of survey projects in DeKalb, Cherokee, Cobb, Fulton, Gwinnett, Houston, McDuffie, and Whitfield counties, with nothing especially interesting to report. One project that seemed to have potential for some good archaeology was a survey of a large tract on Lake Sinclair, followed by testing of three Lamar sites. The Lamar ceramics recovered from many of the 23 sites identified in the tract reflected the dense occupation that existed along the Oconee River valley during the Mississippian period. Unfortunately, the test excavations at the three potentially significant sites that could not be preserved revealed no archaeological integrity, likely the result of prior land use practices and erosion—all too common in the Georgia Piedmont. But disappointing findings like this make you really appreciate a pristine site when you find one.

Selected Lamar ceramics recovered from one of the sites investigated along Lake Sinclair.

Posted online on Saturday, December 1st, 2007