20210297 Ver 1_Cherokee County - B182 - Archaeology_20210322

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 REGISTER OF 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: Bridge 182 County: Cherokee
WBS No: 17BP.14.R.205 Document: Minimum Criteria
F.A. No: na Funding: State Federal
Federal Permit Required? Yes No Permit Type: Possible NWP# 3 and/or
14

Project Description:
The project calls for the replacement of Bridge No. 182 on SR 1127 (Bell Hill Road) over an unnamed
tributary to Persimmon Creek in Cherokee County. The archaeological Area of Potential Effects (APE)
for the project is defined as a 1,000 foot (304.80 m) long corridor running 500 feet (152.40 m) north and
southeast along Bell Hill Road from the center of Bridge No. 182. The corridor is approximately 200 feet
(60.96 m) wide extending 100 feet (30.48 m) on either side of the road from its present center.

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 or eligible ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES present
within the project’s area of potential effects. (Attach any notes or documents as needed)
No subsurface archaeological investigations were 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.

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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SUMMARY OF CULTURAL RESOURCES REVIEW
Brief description of review activities, results of review, and conclusions:

NC DOT has conducted an archaeological investigation for the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 182 in
Cherokee County, North Carolina. The project area is located southwest of Murphy and plotted in the near
the center of the Persimmon Creek USGS 7.5' topographic quadrangle (Figure 1).

Background Research

A map review and site files search was conducted at the Office of State Archaeology (OSA) on January 23,
2018. No previously recorded archaeological sites are identified within or adjacent to the APE, but six sites
(31CE684, 31CE733, 31CE734, 31CE786, 31CE788, and 31CE802) are within a mile. Previous
archaeological investigations in the region, which identified these sites, have been carried out by and for
NCDOT (Jones 2014; Nelson and Webb 2012; Zinn and Petersen 2007) and the US Forest Service
(Mitchell 2005). Most investigations and sites have focused on the floodplains and stream terraces. Only
the Forest Service survey and resulting site 31CE684 are situated on a ridge. All sites also contain
prehistoric components with 31CE786 and 31CE788 yielding 19th to 20th century artifacts as well. Site
31CE802 is the only site recommended as eligible for the National Register. It is located just to the north
of the current project area along Bell Hill Road and west of Persimmon Creek. The site was mitigated in
2017 for the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 148 (Walls and Patch 2017). This work identified several
features associated with a Middle Woodland (Connestee phase) occupation along Persimmon Creek. Due
to the similar setting and nearby vicinity of site 31CE802, it was possible that prehistoric occupations could
have spread to the current project area.

According to the North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office online data base (HPOWEB 2018),
there are no known historic architectural resources within the APE that may yield intact archaeological
deposits.

Several county and regional maps were inspected as well during the background review. The first map in
which an approximate location for the project area could be determined was the 1837–1838 U.S. Army
survey map (Figure 2). This map was produced under the guidance of Major W.G. Williams in preparation
for the removal of the Cherokee Indians. The map illustrates Persimmon Creek and the unnamed tributary.
A road/trail to the west is well away from the project area and appears to follow an alignment similar to
Sunny Point Road. In addition, no Historic Cherokee home sites are shown east of Persimmon Creek in the
vicinity of the current bridge. The later 1914 USGS Murphy topographic map and the 1921 Soil Map for
Cherokee County are very similar and illustrate no roads or crossings within the project area (Figures 3 and
4). Also, no structures are depicted within the APE on the soil map. Highway maps from the 1930s begin
to plot Bell Hill road, but again no identifiable structures are shown near the project area. Although this
review of historic maps suggests that any potential and significant deposits associated with former historic
structures are unlikely to be encountered within the APE, it did not rule out the possibility of an
undocumented Cherokee farmstead being situated within the project area due to the close proximity of a
known 19th century access road/trail and major drainage.

According to the USDA soil survey map for Cherokee County, the APE is a mix of the Junaluska-
Brasstown complex (JbD), the Lonon-Northcove complex (LkD), Rosman loam (RsA), and the Soco-
Stecoah complex (SeE) (Figure 5) (Wood 2013). The floodplain is made up of the Rosman series, which is
well drained, nearly level, and floods occasionally. Archaeological sites are typically found on this series
due to it desirable characteristics. The remaining series make up hillside slopes. Although well drained,
these soils have slope of 15 percent or more. Therefore, their subsurface is not usually tested since
significant resources are rare under these conditions. However, they were inspected for rock shelters
during the current investigation.

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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Fieldwork Results

The archaeological field reconnaissance and survey for the replacement of Bridge No. 182 was carried out
on January 30, 2018. This included systematic shovel testing at 15-meter (ca. 49.21 feet) intervals in the
floodplain and a surface inspection. No shovel testing occurred in areas with obvious disturbance
consisting of fill or grading, along steep slope of 15 percent or more, or in areas covered by impervious
surfaces such as existing structures or paved/gravel drives. A total of 12 shovel tests (STs) were excavated
of which two were positive for prehistoric materials (see Figure 5). The finds were recorded as
archaeological site 31CE840. The subsequent surface inspection failed to identify any archaeological
resources such as rock shelters along the slope.

The proposed project area is situated primarily north to south, but the road does curve to the southeast after
crossing Bridge No. 182 (see Figure 5). The unnamed tributary drains into Persimmon Creek with its
confluence approximately 70 feet west of the bridge. Persimmon Creek then travels north and empties into
the Hiwassee River. Hillside slopes make up most of the APE. The floodplain covers the northwest
quadrant and small areas adjacent to the stream in the northeast and southwest quadrants. Forests occupy
the slopes, while residential properties including broad lawns are found in the floodplain (Figure 6).
Ground disturbance over most of the project area is minimal, but a deep layer of fill encompasses the
floodplain southwest of the bridge (Figure 7). Only one ST was excavated in this section to confirm its
presence. Hillsides appeared to be moderately eroded with few boulders. No subsurface testing was
carried out on the hillsides, since it exceeded 15 percent.

The soil stratigraphy consisted of three strata in the northwest quadrant of the floodplain and only two in
the small area northeast of the bridge. In the northwest, the upper layer is a dark yellowish brown
(10YR 4/4) sandy loam that is 25 and 30 cm (ca. 10 to 12 in) thick. It is followed by a yellowish brown
(10YR 5/6) sandy loam that extends 50 cm (ca. 20 in) below the surface. Below this is a wet hydric soil,
which is a very dark grayish brown (10YR 3/2) sandy loam that extends at least 80 cm (ca. 31 in) below the
surface. The water table was encounter in the nearest ST to the stream at about 70 cm (ca. 28 in) below the
surface. Towards the northeast, the upper soil layer is a 25 to 30 cm (ca. 10 to12 in) thick dark yellowish
brown (10YR 3/4) sandy loam. Beneath this is a second layer of either strong brown (7.5YR 4/6) sandy
loam or yellowish brown (10YR 5/4) sand. A rock layer at approximately 60 to 65 cm (ca. 24 to 26 in)
prevented deeper excavations.

31CE840

Site 31CE840 is a very low-density prehistoric site situated on the floodplain east of Persimmon Creek and
north of one of its unnamed tributaries (see Figure 5). The site was found during ST excavations as
previously mentioned. The site is bisected by Bell Hill Road. The western half is in a lawn, while the
eastern portion is forested (Figure 8). Surface visibility was moderate in the lawn as little grass was
growing at the time of the investigation, but no additional artifacts were observed on the surface. Visibility
in the forest was poor as expected. STs were placed at 15-meter intervals along two transects running
north-south in the northwest quadrant. Excavations of STs along the transects at the north end were
eventually halted due to existing structures (house) and a paved and gravel drive. One ST was positive in
this half of the site with a single piece of debitage. Although the positive test was surrounded by negative
STs, it would not be unexpected for additional prehistoric material to be present further west outside of the
APE. The eastern half of 31CE840 consists of only two STs. The nearest shovel test to the road was
positive with prehistoric ceramic sherd. The additional ST placed to the east was negative. Steep slope to
the north and the stream to the south prevented the site from extending in either of these directions. It is
very unlikely for site 31CE840 to extend further east, since the floodplain is gradually pinched by slope and
the waterway. In all, eight STs (including those along its boundary) were excavated at the site covering
approximately 1,229 square meters with two STs yielding prehistoric artifacts.

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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Disturbance at the site is minimal mostly coming from development of the residential property. Although
the USDA soil survey shows the site as being split between the Rosman (RsA) and Lonon-Northcove
complex (LkD) series, field observation and testing confirms that the entire site is on the floodplain made-
up of Rosman soils. The upper soil layer is likely a plowzone with alluvial deposits covering a former
wetland.

The artifact assemblage is very light consisting of a single piece of quartz debitage and a ceramic sherd
(Table 1). Both were recovered from the upper soil layer or plowzone. The debitage is bulky but does
display a platform and bulb of percussion. Flake scares on the dorsal side are also evident. The ceramic
sherd is approximately 3 cm wide and check-stamped. Based upon it paste (fine sand with little crushed
quartz) and surface treatment, it was dated to the Middle Woodland period belonging to the Connestee
phase. This fits with the neighboring occupation at site 31CE802 to the north.

Site 31CE840 lacks the potential to yield important information regarding the prehistoric occupation of the
region. The artifacts were recovered in low numbers and in a disturbed context. No intact deposits were
identified either. The artifact scatter likely represents discarded material from the Middle Woodland
occupation found at nearby site 31CE802. Therefore, site 31CE840 is recommended not eligible for the
National Register, and no further work is recommended within the APE.

Summary and Recommendations

The archeological investigations for the proposed replacement of Bridge No. 182 in Cherokee County
identified no significant archaeological resources within the APE. Although one site (31CE840) was
recorded, it was determine not eligible due to a low artifact density and no intact deposits. As a result, this
site would not contribute any new or important information. No further archaeological work is
recommended for this bridge replacement project. However, if design plans change to impact areas outside
of the APE, then further archaeological work will be required.

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

2/6/18
C. Damon Jones Date
NCDOT ARCHAEOLOGIST
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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REFERENCES CITED
HPOWEB
2018 North Carolina State Historic Preservation Office GIS Web Service.
http://gisNCDCR.gov/hpoweb/. Accessed January 25, 2018.

Jones, C. Damon
2014 Archaeological Survey Report: Replacement of Bridge No. 148 on SR 1127 over
Persimmon Creek, Cherokee County, North Carolina. TIP B-4462, PA 13-04-0041,
NCDOT, Raleigh.

Jurney, Robert, Samuel Davidson, William Davis, and William Lee
1921 Soil Map for Cherokke County, North Carolina. U.S. Department of Argiculture,
Government Printing Office, Washington D.C. On file at North Carolina Collections,
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill.

Mitchell, Jr., H.L.
2005 Heritage Resources Survey for Three FY-05 Prescribed Burn Firelines (TU-05-03),
Compartments 22, 39, 40, and 42, Tusquitee Ranger District, Nantahala National Forest,
Cherokee County, North Carolina. U.S. Forest Service, Asheville, North Carolina.

Nelson, Michael, and Paul A. Webb
2012 Intensive Archaeological Survey and Evaluation for Section B of the NC 294
Improvement Corridor, TIP R-3622B, Cherokee County, North Carolina. TRC
Environmental Corporation, Chapel Hill, North Carolina. Submitted to NCDOT, Raleigh,
North Carolina.

United States Geological Survey (USGS)
1914 Murphy, Tennessee-North Carolina 30 minute quadrangle map. Reprinted 1927.
1957 Persimmon Creek, North Carolina 7.5 minute quadrangle map. Photorevised 1978.

Walls, Lauren, and Shawn Patch
2017 Management Summary: Archaeological Data Recovery Investigations at Site
31CE802, Cherokee County, North Carolina. TIP B-4462. New South Associates, Stone
Mountain, Georgia. Submitted to NCDOT, Raleigh, North Carolina.

William, W.G.
1838 Map of Part of the Cherokee Territory Situated Among the Mountains of N. Carolina,
Georgia, and Tennessee. Map on file, Record Group 49, US National Archives Cartographic
Division, Suitland, Maryland.

Wood, Brian
2013 Soil Survey of Cherokee County, North Carolina. United States Department of
Agriculture, Natural Resources Soil Conservation Service in cooperation with United States
Department of Agriculture, Forest Service; United States Department of the Interior, Bureau
of Indian Affairs; Eastern Band of the Cherokee Nation; North Carolina Department of
Environment and Natural Resources; North Carolina Agricultural Research Service; North
Carolina Cooperative Extension Service; Cherokee Soil and Water Conservation District; and
Cherokee County Board of Commissioners.

Zinn, Jesse D., and Shane C. Petersen
2007 Archaeological Survey Report for the Improvement of NC 294, Cherokee County,
North Carolina. TIP R-3623A, NCDOT, Raleigh.
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“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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Figure 1. Topographic Setting of the Project Area, Persimmon Creek (1957; photorevised 1978), NC,
USGS 7.5′ Topographic Quadrangle.
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form for the Amended Minor Transportation Projects as Qualified in the 2007 Programmatic Agreement.
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Figure 2. The 1837–1838 U.S. Army survey map showing the location of the project area.

Figure 3. The 1914 USGS Murphy topographic map showing the location of the project area.

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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Figure 4. The 1921 Soil Map for Cherokee County showing location of the project area.

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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Figure 5. Aerial View of the project area showing soils, contours, development, ST placement, and the
location of site 31CE840.

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“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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Figure 6. General View of the floodplain in the northwest quadrant, looking north.

Figure 7. General View of the fill covered floodplain in the southwest quadrant, looking north.

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“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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Figure 8. General View of Site 31CE840, looking east.

Table 1. Site 31CE840 Artifact Inventory.
Bag Prov Strat Depth Artifact Description Qty
1 ST 3 I 0–25 Debitage Quartz; Tertiary Flake 1
2 ST 11 I 0–30 Ceramic Connestee Check Stamped 1
Total 2