20191729 Ver 1_AR18-10-0002NoSitesPresent_20191217

Project Tracking No.:
“NO NATIONAL REGISTER ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES PRESENT”
form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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NO NATIONAL REGISTE R O F HISTORIC PLACES
ELIGIBLE OR LISTED ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES
PRESENT FORM
This form only pertains to ARCHAEOLOGICAL RESOURCES for this project. It is not
valid for Historic Architecture and Landscapes. You must consult separately with the
Historic Architecture and Landscapes Group.

PROJECT INFORMATION

Project No: na County: Cabarrus
WBS No: 17BP.10.R.110 Document: MCC
F.A. No: na Funding: State Federal
Federal Permit Required? Yes No Permit Type: ?

Project Description:
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Division 10 intends to replace Bridge No.
105 on SR 2450, Gold Hill Road, over Big Bear Creek. No preliminary designs were available at the time
of the request for archaeological review, but a study area that encompasses roughly 40 acres
(approximately 16.19 hectares) was provided with the request. For the purposes of the archaeological
investigation, this study area will be considered the Area of Potential Effects (APE).

SUMMARY OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL FINDINGS
The North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) Archaeology Group reviewed
the subject project and determined:

There are no National Register listed ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES within the project’s
area of potential effects.
No subsurface archaeological investigations are required for this project.
Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources.
Subsurface investigations did not reveal the presence of any archaeological resources
considered eligible for the National Register.
All identified archaeological sites located within the APE have been considered and all
compliance for archaeological resources with Section 106 of the National Historic
Preservation Act and GS 121-12(a) has been completed for this project.
There are no National Register Eligible or Listed ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES present
or affected by this project. (Attach any notes or documents as needed)

Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions:
S&ME, Inc. (S&ME), on behalf of NCDOT, performed an archaeological resource survey for
the planned replacement of Bridge No. 105 on SR 2450, Gold Hill Road, over Big Bear Creek, in
Cabarrus County, North Carolina, roughly 4.5 miles east of the city of Richfield (Figures 1 and
2). As there are no preliminary design plans at this stage, S&ME was provided a study area that
is roughly 3570 feet (approximately 1088.14 meters) long and approximately 485 feet (roughly
147.83 meters) wide, with the study area covering roughly 40 acres (approximately 16.19
hectares).
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A background literature review and records search was conducted at the North Carolina Office of
State Archaeology (OSA) and at the State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO) in Raleigh. The
records examined at SHPO included a review of National Register and survey files for properties
listed in or eligible for inclusion in the National Register and an examination of HPOWEB, a
GIS-based program containing information about aboveground historic resources in North
Carolina. Records examined at OSA included master archaeological site maps, state
archaeological site files, and associated archaeological reports. The area examined was a 0.5-
mile radius around the APE.

A review of the files and records at SHPO and OSA indicated there are no archaeological sites
and one aboveground resource, CA0514, recorded within a 0.5-mile radius of the project APE
(Figures 1 and 2). Resource CA0514 is the J. Lawson Peck House and is a survey only resource
that is within the 0.5-mile search radius, but not within the current project APE.

As part of the background research, the Collett (1770) map; the Price-Strother (1808) map; the
McRae-Brazier map (1833); a 1900 railroad map; a 1910 Cabarrus County United States
Department of Agriculture (USDA) soil survey sheet; a 1921 United States Postal Service rural
route map; North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT) maps from 1938, 1953 and
1968; and a United States Geological Survey (USGS) topographic maps from 1957 and 1981
were examined.

The Collett map shows the project APE was in a sparsely populated area between two unnamed
roads (Figure 3). The Price-Strother map shows the APE near the Cabarrus and Montgomery
county line, with the city of Concord established to the northwest of the project area; the network
of roads was forming in both Cabarrus and Montgomery counties (Figure 4). The McRae-Brazier
map shows a similar setting to the Price-Strother map, with an increase in the network of roads
and landowners in the vicinity of the APE and numerous mills that had been constructed along
Dutch Buffalo Creek, to the southwest of the project APE (Figure 5).

The 1900 railroad map depicts one rail line running through Cabarrus County; Mount Pleasant is
shown as a community southwest of the project area and Stanly County has been formed to the
east (Figure 6). The 1910 USDA soil survey map shows an increasing network of roadways and
scattered residences in the vicinity of the project APE (Figure 7). The 1921 USPS Rural Route
map shows a similar environment to the USDA soil survey map, with roadways and structures in
the vicinity of the project APE (Figure 8). The NCDOT highway map from 1938 shows Bridge
105 for the first time, along with two structures within the project APE (Figure 9). The NCDOT
maps from 1953 and 1968 do not have much detail, other than the roadways; the 1968 map
shows Bridge 105, but the 1953 map does not (Figures 10 and 11). The topographic map from
1957 show one structure just outside the project APE (Figure 12); the topographic map from
1981 shows a farm complex just outside the APE, with the main house at the edge of the project
boundary (Figure 13).

There are seven soil types located within the APE (Figure 14); their descriptions can be found in
Table 1 (USDA Web Soil Survey, Accessed March 15, 2019). The National Wetlands Inventory
(NWI) Mapper, shows three mapped streams and two freshwater forested/shrub wetlands with a
linear feature connecting the two within APE (Figure 15).
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Table 1. Specific soil types found within the project APE.
Soil Name Drainage Location Slope Percent of APE
Baden channery silt loam (BaB) Well drained Summits 2–8% 6.6%
Baden channery silt loam (BaD) Well drained Hillslopes 8–15% 7.4%
Baden channery silt loam (BaF) Well drained Hillslopes 15–45% 0.9%
Chewacla loam (ChA) Somewhat poorly drained Floodplains 0–2% 53.4%
Goldston very channery silt loam (GoC) Well drained Hillslopes 4–15% 21.6%
Goldston very channery silt loam (GoF) Well drained Hillslopes 15–45% 7.8%
Kirksey silt loam, (KkB) Moderately well drained Summits 1–6% 2.4%

On March 20, 2019, S&ME completed an archaeological reconnaissance survey within the APE.
A pedestrian survey was conducted throughout the APE and was complemented by shovel
testing, both systematic and judgmental, based on the current conditions of the project area.
Shovel tests were excavated along transects placed 100 feet (30 meters) apart and excavated at
100-foot (30-meter) intervals along the transect; judgmental shovel tests were placed in areas
that appeared to be disturbed or lack integrity, to determine if intact soil deposition was present.
Shovel tests were at least 38-cm (15 inches) in diameter and excavated to sterile subsoil. The
shovel test locations were recorded with a Trimble GPS unit. Soil from the shovel tests was
screened though ¼-inch wire mesh and soil colors were determined through comparison with
Munsell Soil Color Charts.

During the investigations two archaeological sites were identified, 31CA325 and 31CA326
(Figure 1 and 2; Table 2). Both site 31CA325 and 31CA326 are non-diagnostic prehistoric lithic
isolates. It is the opinion of S&ME that sites 31CA325 and 31CA326 are not eligible for
inclusion in the NRHP. The archaeological sites and each of the four quadrants of the project
APE are discussed below.

Table 2. Archaeological Site Summary.
Site Number Site Type NRHP Recommendations
31CA325 Prehistoric lithic isolate Not Eligible
31CA326 Prehistoric lithic isolate Not Eligible

Northeast Quadrant
Vegetation in this portion of the project APE consisted of planted pine and secondary growth
with a small area of pasture at the north end of the quadrant (Figures 16 and 17); disturbances
within this portion of the APE include push piles associated with silviculture, areas of standing
water, an unnamed stream, and dirt roadways (Figures 18 and 19). Five transects, containing 40
shovel tests, were placed in this portion of the project APE (Figure 20); one typical soil profile
was encountered (Figure 21; Table 3). Archaeological site 31CA325 was identified in this
portion of the project APE and will be discussed in greater detail below.

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Table 3. Shovel Test Profiles, Northeast Quadrant.
Shovel Test
Number
Shovel Test
Dimensions
(in diameter)
Munsell Color/Texture
Depths
Inches Centimeters
1-1 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) wet silty clay 0–14+ 0–35+
1-2 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) wet silty clay 0–8+ 0–20+
1-3 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) wet silty clay 0–10+ 0–25+
1-4 15” (38-cm)
10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) silty clay 0–8 0–20
10YR 5/2 (grayish brown) wet silty clay 8–12+ 20–30+
1-5 15” (38-cm) 10YR 3/2 (very dark grayish brown) wet silty clay 0–6+ 0–15+
1-6 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/4 (dark yellowish brown) wet silty clay 0–6+ 0–15+
2-1 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-2 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-3 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–8 0–20
10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 8–12+ 20–30+
2-3+15m E 15” (38-cm)
10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) silty loam 0–8 0–20
10YR 5/8 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 8–12+ 20–30+
2-3+15m N 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-3+15m W 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-3+15m S 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-4 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-5 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/2 (grayish brown) wet silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-6 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 4–8+ 10–20+
2-7 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/2 (grayish brown) wet silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-8 15” (38-cm)
10YR 5/2 (grayish brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 4–8+ 10–20+
2-9 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-10 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-11 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
2-12 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
3-1 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
3-2 15” (38-cm) 10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
3-3 NO DIG – ROAD DISTURBANCE
3-4 NO DIG – ROAD DISTURBANCE
3-5 NO DIG – ROAD DISTURBANCE
3-6 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–12 0–30
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Shovel Test
Number
Shovel Test
Dimensions
(in diameter)
Munsell Color/Texture
Depths
Inches Centimeters
7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 12–16+ 30–40+
3-7 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam; rock impasse 0–16+ 0–40+
3-8 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty clay loam 0–15 0–38
7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 15–19+ 38–48+
3-9 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) silty clay 0–8+ 0–20+
3-10 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) silty clay 0–6+ 0–15+
9-1 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam; gravel impasse 0–4+ 0–10+
9-2 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam; rock impasse 0–6+ 0–15+

9-3 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 4–8+ 10–20+
9-4 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–2 0–5
7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 2–6+ 5–15+
10-1 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty loam 0–2 0–5
7.5YR 5/6 (strong brown) silty clay 2–6+ 5–15+
10-2 15” (38-cm)
10YR 3/2 (very dark grayish brown) silty loam 0–2 0–5
7.5YR 5/6 (strong brown) silty clay 2–6+ 5–15+
10-3 15” (38-cm)
10YR 3/3 (dark brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay loam 4–8+ 10–20+
10-4 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 5/8 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+

Site 31CA325
Site Number: 31CA325 NRHP Recommendation: Not Eligible
Site Type: Prehistoric lithic isolate Elevation: 610 ft AMSL
Components: Unidentified Landform: Floodplain
Quad Name: Richfield Distance to Water: 150 m/500 ft to Big Bear Creek
UTM Coordinates: E559908, N3923484 (17N, NAD 83) Soil Type: Chewacla sandy loam
Site Dimensions: 15 m E/W x 15 m N/S Vegetation: Planted pine
Artifact Depth: 0–20 cmbs No. of STPs/Positive STPs: 9/1
Site 31CA325 is a prehistoric lithic isolate located on the floodplain, north of the intersection of
an unnamed intermittent stream and Big Bear Creek (Figure 1). The site is located in an area of
planted pine; the site measures approximately 15 m east/west by 15 m north/south and is
bounded by two negative shovel tests in each of the cardinal directions (Figures 22 and 23).

A total of nine shovel tests were excavated in and around site 31CA325; a typical shovel test
consisted of 20 cm of 10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam, terminating with 10+ cm (20–20+ cmbs) of
10YR 5/6 (yellowish brown) silty clay subsoil (Figure 24). One piece of rhyolite debitage was
recovered from between 0–20 cmbs in a single shovel test (Table 4); no other artifacts were
identified on the surface or in the radial shovel tests. Mass analysis was used for size grading the
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lithic debitage found at site 31CA325; Size Grade 1 represents debitage that is greater than 1
inch; Size Grade 2 is debitage that is between ½ and 1 inch; Size Grade 3 is between ¼ and ½
inch; and Size Grade 4 is debitage smaller than ¼ inch (Ahler 1989; 85–118). As seen in Table 4,
the single piece of debitage recovered from the site is Size Grade 1, which represents some type
of primary reduction activity (Ahler 1989; 89–90).

Table 4. Artifact Summary from site 31CA325.
Shovel Test Number Description Count
STP 2-3 Debitage, Rhyolite, Cortical, Size Grade 1 1

The non-diagnostic prehistoric artifact recovered was identified in the plowzone of an area that
has been used for silviculture. The artifact was collected from a disturbed context and soils
throughout the surrounding quadrant transition directly from plowzone to subsoil with no intact
stratigraphy.

It is S&ME’s opinion that the site is not known to be associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of history and is not eligible for inclusion in the
NRHP under Criterion A; the site is not associated with the lives of significant persons in the
past and is not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion B. Site 31CA325 does not
embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; represent the
work of a master; possess high artistic values; or represent a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components may lack individual distinction and therefore recommended not
eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion C. The disturbed nature of the area where the
site was identified and the lack of intact deposits seen in the soils transitioning directly from
plowzone to subsoil suggest that site 31CA325 is unlikely to yield significant information on the
prehistory of the area and is recommended not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion
D. Based on the information presented above, S&ME recommends that site 31CA325 is not
eligible for inclusion in the NRHP.

Northwest Quadrant
Vegetation in this portion of the project APE consisted of hardwoods, agricultural field,
maintained yard, and fallow field (Figures 25 through 28); disturbances within this portion of the
APE include areas of standing water, slope, buried utilities, and areas that have been graded
(Figures 26, 29, and 30). One transect, containing 16 shovel tests, was placed in this portion of
the project APE (Figure 20); two typical soil profiles were encountered (Figures 31 and 32;
Table 5). Archaeological site 31CA326 was identified in this portion of the project APE and will
be discussed in greater detail below. The house seen in historic topographic maps and in the
aerial map has been razed and is no longer present within the project APE (Figure 27).

Table 5. Shovel Test Profiles, Northwest Quadrant.
Shovel Test
Number
Shovel Test
Dimensions
(in diameter)
Munsell Color/Texture
Depths
Inches Centimeters
4-1 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
4-2 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
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Shovel Test
Number
Shovel Test
Dimensions
(in diameter)
Munsell Color/Texture
Depths
Inches Centimeters
4-3 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/4 (dark yellowish brown) silty clay loam
– water table 0–7+ 0–17+
4-4 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam – water table 0–8+ 0–20+
4-5 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
4-6 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
4-7 15” (38-cm)
7.5YR 5/6 (strong brown) silty loam 0–2 0–5
7.5YR 4/6 (strong brown) silty clay loam 2–6+ 5–15+
4-8 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 4–8+ 10–20+

4-9 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
27.5YR 5/6 (strong brown) silty loam 4–8+ 10–20+
4-9+15m S 15” (38-cm) 5YR 5/8 (yellowish red) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
4-9+15m S +30m W 15” (38-cm) 5YR 5/8 (yellowish red) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
4-9+15m S +15m W 15” (38-cm) 5YR 5/8 (yellowish red) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
4-9+15m S +30m N 15” (38-cm) 5YR 5/8 (yellowish red) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
4-9+15m S +15m W NO DIG – IN ROADWAY
4-10 15” (38-cm) 5YR 5/8 (yellowish red) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
4-11 15” (38-cm)
10YR 3/3 (dark brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
10YR 6/2 (light brownish gray) wet silty clay 4–8+ 10–20+

Site 31CA326
Site Number: 31CA326 NRHP Recommendation: Not Eligible
Site Type: Prehistoric lithic isolate Elevation: 610 ft AMSL
Components: Unidentified Landform: Floodplain
Quad Name: Richfield Distance to Water: 96 m/315 ft to Big Bear Creek
UTM Coordinates: E559859, N3923412 (17N, NAD 83) Soil Type: Badin channery silt loam
Site Dimensions: 15 m E/W x 15 m N/S Vegetation: Cleared area
Artifact Depth: Surface No. of STPs/Positive STPs: 9/0
Site 31CA325 is a prehistoric lithic isolate located on the floodplain of Big Bear Creek,
northwest of where a gravel driveway meets Gold Hill Road (Figures 1 and 2). The site is located
in an area that has been recently graded and the site measures approximately 15 m east/west by
15 m north/south and is bounded by two negative shovel tests in each of the cardinal directions
(Figures 33 and 34).

A total of nine shovel tests were excavated in and around site 31CA326; a typical shovel test
consisted of 10 cm of 5YR 5/8 (yellowish red) silty clay subsoil (Figure 32). One piece of
rhyolite debitage was recovered from the surface of the site (Table 6); no other artifacts were
identified on the surface or in the shovel tests. Mass analysis was used for size grading the lithic
debitage found at site 31CA326; Size Grade 1 represents debitage that is greater than 1 inch; Size
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Grade 2 is debitage that is between ½ and 1 inch; Size Grade 3 is between ¼ and ½ inch; and
Size Grade 4 is debitage smaller than ¼ inch (Ahler 1989; 85–118). As seen in Table 6, the
single piece of debitage recovered from the site is Size Grade 2, which represents some type of
primary reduction activity (Ahler 1989; 89–90).

Table 6. Artifact Summary from site 31CA326.
Shovel Test Number Description Count
STP 4-9+15m N Debitage, Rhyolite, Non-cortical, Size Grade 2 1

The non-diagnostic prehistoric artifact recovered was identified on the surface in an area that had
been recently graded. The artifact was collected from a disturbed context and the surrounding
area has been equally disturbed through grading and road/driveway construction.

It is S&ME’s opinion that the site is not known to be associated with events that have made a
significant contribution to the broad patterns of history and is not eligible for inclusion in the
NRHP under Criterion A; the site is not associated with the lives of significant persons in the
past and is not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion B. Site 31CA326 does not
embody the distinctive characteristics of a type, period, or method of construction; represent the
work of a master; possess high artistic values; or represent a significant and distinguishable
entity whose components may lack individual distinction and therefore recommended not
eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion C. The disturbed nature of the area where the
site was identified and the presence of subsoil at the surface suggest that site 31CA326 is
unlikely to yield significant information on the prehistory of the area and is recommended not
eligible for inclusion in the NRHP under Criterion D. Based on the information presented above,
S&ME recommends that site 31CA326 is not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP.

Southeast Quadrant
Vegetation in this portion of the project APE consisted of fallow field, areas of hardwoods, and
maintained yard (Figure 35 through 37); disturbances within this portion of the APE include
slope, driveways, and a culvert and associated drainage (Figures 38 and 39). Three transects,
containing 10 shovel tests, were placed in this portion of the project APE (Figure 20) and one
typical soil profile was encountered (Figure 40; Table 7). The portions of this quadrant that were
not shovel tested were a result of areas of standing water associated with the culvert and areas
that had been altered due to residential development (Figures 37 through 39).

Table 7. Shovel Test Profiles, Southeast Quadrant.
Shovel Test
Number
Shovel Test
Dimensions
(in diameter)
Munsell Color/Texture
Depths
Inches Centimeters
6-1 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) wet silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
6-2 15” (38-cm) 10YR 6/4 (light yellowish brown) wet silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
6-3 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/4 (dark yellowish brown) silty loam 0–9 0–22
10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty clay loam 9–13+ 22–32+
6-4 15” (38-cm) 10YR 4/4 (dark yellowish brown) silty loam 0–9 0–22
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10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty clay loam 9–13+ 22–32+
7-1 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
7-2 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–10 0-25
7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 10–14+ 25–35+
7-3 15” (38-cm) 2.5YR 4/6 (red) silty clay loam 0–4+ 0–10+
7-4 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/3 (brown) silty loam 0–4 0–10
7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 4–8+ 10–20+
8-1 15” (38-cm) 7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
8-2 15” (38-cm) 7.5YR 5/8 (strong brown) silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+

Southwest Quadrant
Vegetation in this portion of the project APE consisted of fallow field and areas of pine (Figures
41 and 42); disturbances within this portion of the APE include a stream, multiple culverts and
altered landscape, and slope (Figures 43 through 45). One transect, containing four shovel tests,
was placed in this portion of the project APE (Figure 20) and one typical soil profile was
encountered (Figure 46; Table 8). The portions of this quadrant that were not shovel tested were
a result of streams, slopes, and disturbances associated with residential development (Figures 43
through 45).

Table 8. Shovel Test Profiles, Southwest Quadrant.
Shovel Test
Number
Shovel Test
Dimensions
(in diameter)
Munsell Color/Texture
Depths
Inches Centimeters
5-1 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty loam 0–2 0–5
2.5YR 5/6 (red) silty clay loam 2–6+ 5–15+
5-2 15” (38-cm)
10YR 4/2 (dark grayish brown) silty loam 0–1 0–2
2.5YR 5/6 (red) silty clay loam 2–5+ 2–12+
5-3 15” (38-cm) 2.5Y 5/6 (light olive brown) wet silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+
5-3 15” (38-cm) 2.5Y 5/6 (light olive brown) wet silty clay 0–4+ 0–10+

RECOMMDATIONS
In March 2019, S&ME completed an archaeological reconnaissance survey for the proposed
replacement of Bridge No. 105 on SR 2450, Gold Hill Road, over Big Bear Creek. The survey
included a pedestrian survey of the APE and systematic shovel testing.

As a result of the survey two archaeological sites, 31CA325 and 31CA326, were identified and
are recommended not eligible for inclusion in the NRHP. A portion of the project area has been
recently graded, construction of driveways and altered landscape associated with residential
development is scattered within the project APE, there is standing water in areas containing
poorly drained soils, and soils either transition from the plow zone to subsoil or have exposed
subsoil on surface. Based on the investigations, no intact soil deposition remains and
archaeological sites 31CA325 and 31CA326 were identified in disturbed contexts. It is the
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opinion of S&ME’s Principal Investigator, Kimberly Nagle, M.S., RPA, that the APE has a low
potential for containing significant archaeological resources and that no additional archaeological
investigations are necessary for the currently proposed APE.

SUPPORT DOCUMENTATION
See attached: Map(s) Previous Survey Info Photos Correspondence
Signed:

April 15, 2019

NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST Date

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REFERENCES CITED
Ahler, Stanley A.
1989 Mass Analysis of Flaking Debris: Studying the Forest Rather Than the Tree. In
Alternative Approaches to Lithic Analysis, edited by D.O. Henry and George H. Odell,
pp.85–118. Archeological Papers of the American Anthropological Association No. 1.

Brown, Henry C.
1900 Railroad Map of North Carolina. North Carolina Corporation Commission. Rand
McNally and Company, Engravers, Chicago. Available at:
<http://hdl.loc.gov/loc.gmd/g3901p.rr002740>

Collet, John
1770 A Compleat Map of North Carolina From an Actual Survey. I Bayley. Copy from W. P.
Cumming, 1966, North Carolina in Maps, State Department of Archives and History, Raleigh,
Plate VII. Available through North Carolina Historical Publications Shop.

Harris, Thomas C.
1875 Map of Cabarrus County, North Carolina. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh.
Available at: <http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/235/rec/4>

MacRae, John and Robert H. B. Brazier
1833 A New Map of the State of North Carolina, Constructed from Actual Surveys. North
Carolina Maps. University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. Available at:
<http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/181/rec/7>

North Carolina Department of Transportation (NCDOT)
1938 Cabarrus County. State Highway Map. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. Available
at: <http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/431/rec/18>
1953 Cabarrus County. State Highway Map. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. Available
at: <http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/7700/rec/21>
1968 Cabarrus County. State Highway Map. North Carolina State Archives, Raleigh. Available
at: <http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/compoundobject/collection/ncmaps/id/3324/rec/27>

Price, Jonathan and John Strother
1808 First Actual Survey of the State of North Carolina. W. Harrison, Philadelphia.

United States Department of Agriculture (USDA)
1910 Soil Map, North Carolina, Cabarrus County. North Carolina Maps. University of North
Carolina, Chapel Hill. Available at:
<http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/291/rec/28>

United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1957 Mount Pleasant. 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle. Available at:
<http://historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/>
1981 Richfield. 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle. Available at:
<http://historicalmaps.arcgis.com/usgs/>

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United States Post Office (USPS)
1921 Rural Delivery Routes, Cabarrus County, North Carolina. Available at:
<http://dc.lib.unc.edu/cdm/singleitem/collection/ncmaps/id/1746/rec/14>

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Appendix A - Figures

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Figure 3. Portion of Collett’s map (1770), showing vicinity of project area.

Figure 4. Price-Strother Map (1808) of North Carolina, showing vicinity of project area.
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Figure 5. MacRae-Brazier Map (1833) of North Carolina, showing vicinity of project area.

Figure 6. Railroad map of North Carolina, showing Cabarrus County (Brown 1900).
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Figure 7. USDA Cabarrus County soil map (1910), showing vicinity of project area.

Figure 8. USPS Rural Route Map of Cabarrus County (1921), showing vicinity of the project
area.
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Figure 9. NCDOT highway map of Cabarrus County (1938), showing vicinity of the project area.

Figure 10. NCDOT highway map of Cabarrus County (1953), showing vicinity of the project
area.
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Figure 11. NCDOT highway map of Cabarrus County (1968), showing vicinity of the project
area.

Figure 12. USGS Mount Pleasant topographic quadrangle (1957), showing vicinity of the project
area.
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Figure 13. USGS 7.5-minute Richfield topographic quadrangle (1981), showing vicinity of the
project area.

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form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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Figure 15. Mapped streams and wetlands within the project APE; US Fish and Wildlife Service
Map Service.

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Figure 16. Area of planted pine in the northeast quadrant of the project APE, facing north.

Figure 17. Area of pasture in northwestern quadrant, facing north.

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Figure 18. Unnamed stream in the northeast quadrant of project APE, facing northeast.

Figure 19. Area of standing water in the northeast quadrant of project APE, facing southwest.

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Figure 21. Typical shovel test profile in northeast quadrant.

Figure 22. Overview of site 31CA325, facing north.

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Figure 24. Typical shovel test profile at site 31CA325.

Figure 25. Area of hardwoods in the northwest quadrant, facing northwest.

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Figure 26. Area of agricultural field in the northwest quadrant of the APE, facing south.

Figure 27. Area of maintained yard in the northwest quadrant, facing southwest.

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Figure 28. Area of fallow field in the northwest quadrant, facing north.

Figure 29. Area of steep slope with buried utility line in the northwest quadrant, facing east.

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Figure 30. Showing area of steep slope and grading in the northwest quadrant, facing northwest.

Figure 31. Typical shovel test profile where the water table was encountered in the northwest
quadrant.

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form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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Figure 32. Typical shovel test profile where subsoil was encountered on surface in the northwest
quadrant.

Figure 33. Overview of site 31CA326, facing north.

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Figure 35. Area of fallow field in the southeast quadrant, facing north.

Figure 36. Area of hardwoods in the southeast quadrant, facing north.

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Figure 37. Area of residential yard and slope in southeast quadrant, facing northwest.

Figure 38. Typical paved driveway/road in southeast quadrant, facing east.

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Figure 39. Culvert and stream in southeast quadrant of the project APE, facing north.

Figure 40. Typical shovel test profile in southeast quadrant.

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Figure 41. Area of pine in the southwest quadrant of the project APE, facing south.

Figure 42. Area of fallow field in southwest quadrant of the project APE, facing south.

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Figure 43. Stream in the southwest quadrant of the project APE, facing south.

Figure 44. Multiple culverts, slope, and driveway in the southwest quadrant, facing east.

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Figure 45. Stream channel and altered landscape in the southwest quadrant, facing south.

Figure 46. Typical shovel test in southwest quadrant of project APE.