Blue Ridge Center: Historical & Cultural Stewardship

Blue Ridge Center for Environmental Stewardship

	Our Land
	Scientific & Natural Stewardship
	Historical & Cultural Stewardship
	Archelology
	Historical Structures
	Farming and Forestry
	Civil War
	Appalachian Trail

Historical & Cultural Stewardship

Grave Markers ARCHAEOLOGY

SUMMARY OF FINDINGS
The Foundation property is richly layered in human history. To date, 33 sites and features of past occupation and land use, some previously unknown, have been identified. Most are believed to be 19th and 20th century sites, including the complex of a main house and its assorted out buildings; a stone house and barn; a cemetery plot; several log cabins and frame structures; dry-stone fences; a possible charcoal hearth; and other miscellaneous indicators of occupation. Most of these buildings and constructions supported the agrarian lifestyle of the 19th century.

STUDIES TO DATE
The Blue Ridge Center, in conjunction with Millsaps College, is conducting an in-depth archaeological survey of the 900 acre Foundation property. Dr. Michael Galaty is heading up the project from Millsaps College, with additional support from Thunderbird archaeological Associates. The project was begun in summer 2000 with a phase I reconnaissance of the entire property. The land was walked and surface-collected, with some areas shovel-tested. The well-known historic farmsteads on the property were avoided and not shovel-tested to preserve their archaeological integrity.

In autumn 2000, photos were taken of interesting sites, and global positioning systems were employed to accurately pinpoint features. A descriptive database is being created which includes historical aerial photos and historical maps.

Phase II investigation began in 2001, with mapping, surface collection, and test excavations at the land's large barn site.

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