Author: Martin F. Dickinson

Publisher:

Published: 1996

Total Pages: 102

ISBN-13:

Habersham Land Company proposes to develop a tract of land located on the Broad River near Port Royal, SC. SouthArc had completed research on the history of the tract and an archaeological survey in 1990 for another developer, who was unable to proceed with the project due to financial difficulties. Habersham contracted with SouthArc to complete the survey report and assessments of the significance of the identified cultural resources. Field work was conducted in April 1996. The Habersham tract consists of high uplands with a bluff along the marshes fronting the Broad River at its junction with Habersham Creek. This area would have been attractive to prehistoric Native Americans due to its elevation and proximity to a variety of ecological areas that would provide an abundant resource base. In addition, the adjacent creek provided easy water access to the river itself. For similar reasons the tract continued to be attractive to historic occupants of the Port Royal area. Prior to the Civil War, the property was the Campbell plantation, known as Treadlands. The plantation was seized for unpaid taxes during the war and the main house burned after that. The property changed several times after than prior to its sale to Dr. W. R. Eve in 1905. The land remained in the Eve family until 1987 when it was sold for development. Seven archaeological tracts were identified within the 280-acre tract, with the three most significant sites being the Campbell site, the Lookout site, and the Mum Grace site, all significant and potentially eligible for the National Register, having the potential to address research questions focusing on prehistoric occupation and resource exploitation, as well as historic occupation of this area at the junction of Habersham Creek and the Broad River.