Mapping and Systematic Shovel Testing at Middle Place Plantation (9CH158), Ossabaw Island, Georgia

This is a report of findings resulting from the 2007 archaeological investigations at
Middle Place conducted by Apalachee Research Archaeological Consultants, Inc.
Funding for the project derives from the Coastal Incentives Grant (CIG) awarded
the Georgia Coastal Management Program. The field work was conducted
and March, 2007. This is first investigation to focus o site' occupation and the first to employ systematic shovel testing. A total of 21 shovel tests and two 1x2 m test units were excavated at the southwestern s tion of the site. The resulting artifact distribution maps provide greater resolution £i} both the extent, and internal structure of the historic component. Five tabby foundations, and six previously undocumented structures were mapped as part of the project. Our findings indicate a range of occupation from late eighteenth to late nineteenth century. Evidence of late eighteenth century occupation is restricted to the vicinity of the former mansion. Late nineteenth century materials were concentrated around the previously undocumented structures at the northwestern part of the site. A bottle, embossed with an 1866 date may indicate this part of the site was resettled by Freedmen after the Civil War.