Archaeological Assessment of Fireline Impact on Two National Register Eligible Sites (38SU51 and 38SU205) and an Archaeological Survey of Five Areas Surrounding or Within Big Bay, Poinsett Electronic Combat Weapons Range, Sumter County, South Carolina

In late February 2001, a wildfire burned approximately 4,000 acres of the Poinsett Electronic Combat Range. This fire was located east of Strafe Pot Road, south of Big Bay Road, and included much of the area within Big Bay. Both Strafe Pit and Big Bay roads were widened in areas within Big Bay. Both Strafe Pit and Big Bay roads were widened in areas and new firebanks were constructed in order to contain the fire. The area surrounding Big Bay represents an are containing numerous archaeological site, some of which has been determined eligible for the National Register of Historic Places. Because of the dense vegetation within Big Bay, previous archaeological research has been confined to the outer rim of the bay and much of the area within the bay itself has gone unsurveyed. The fire provided an opportunity to access some of the interior regions of Big Bay, particularly sand ridges that represent higher, well drained locations overlooking the surrounding interior bay wetlands. Much like the sand ridge surrounding the outer bay perimeter, these interior sand ridges are believed to represent preferred locations for prehistoric habitation.
During the month of May, 2001, New South Associates, Inc. conducted an archaeological survey of five previously unsurveyed areas (approximately 125 acres) to locate, evaluate and determine the eligibility for inclusion in the NRHP of newly discovered sites. Also, damage caused by road widening and firebreak construction at National Register eligible sites 38SU51 and 38SU205 was to be assessed to determine the extent of damage and if any additional mitigative measures were necessary. A total of six sites and seven isolated finds were located in the five unsurveyed areas. Site types include aboriginal short-term habitations and/or special purpose sites and early twentieth century liquor stills.
Four sites are recommended as potentially eligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Sites 38SU290, 38SU292, 38SU293 and 38SU294 are recommended for further work or avoidance, while the remainder of the sites and isolated finds are recommended ineligible for nomination to the National Register of Historic Places. Site 38SU290 is a prehistoric and historic site containing Woodland and Mississippian period ceramic sherds, lithic tools, and lithic debitage. Site 38SU294 is a prehistoric site containing Woodland ceramics and lithic debitage. All contain artifacts below the A soil horizon and have had limited site disturbance. Also, no additional mitigative measures are recommended at sites 38SU51 and 38SU205.