In the Tussahaw Creek region, nestled in Henry and Butts Counties, Georgia. Between February 11 and 26, 2003, archaeological testing was conducted as part of the proposed Tussahaw Creek Reservoir. The testing dug up a tapestry of human life spanning various periods, shedding light on the lives of native peoples who once called this county home. The results pieced together from the survey and testing efforts revealed settlements during the Middle Archaic, Late Archaic, Middle Woodland, Late Woodland, Early Mississippian, and Late Mississippian periods. However, it was during the Late Archaic (3000 B.C. to 1000 B.C.) and Late Woodland (600-900 A.D.) periods that the region witnessed the most active settlements.
Despite the depth of history beneath the soil, the archaeological resources at these sites posed challenges to clear results. Factors such as small amounts of artifacts, diversity, and historic disturbances—mainly attributed to farming and erosion—obscured the clearness of the findings.
The late woodland period in Georgia’s history is one of the most least known periods of native history. Many records and studies indicate that there was a reversal of normal patterns in previous periods being done during this time frame, specifically mound formations, which were being completed at a much slower rate compared to their ancestors. Some studies indicate this period was when corn agriculture started to become a mainstay for the natives as well as the formation of projectiles, such as the arrowheads that we associate with native Americans. It should be noted that the formation of these weapons led to deadlier conflict and eventually the creation of first fortified settlements of the natives.
While the archaeological exploration of the Tussahaw Creek region may have reached its conclusion, the fragments of its past uncovered during these investigations offer valuable insights into the complex tapestry of Native American presence in this corner of the county. When visiting the Tussahaw reservoir take a moment to reflect on who once called this region their home.
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