Cultural Resources Assessment

Within the Lake Hickory Study Area, there are 14 previously recorded cultural resources including 8 architectural resources and 6 archaeological sites. Architectural resources include 3 single dwellings, a bridge, a commercial building, 2 mill villages, and a mill. While the architectural resources range in date from the early nineteenth to the twentieth centuries, most of the resources are from the early twentieth centuries. The archeological sites range from the Early Archaic through the Historic cultural periods.

Information is somewhat meager for the six archaeological sites. For one of the sites, we do not have enough data to determine its specific site function. Ceramics or lithic artifacts were recovered at the remaining 5 sites. Four of those five sites are 76 to 100 percent destroyed, while the fifth is 51 to 75 percent destroyed. All of the previously recorded archaeological sites in the APE have been recommended as "not eligible" for listing in the National Register.

None of the architectural resources are listed in the National Register.

The information on both the archaeological and architectural sites from the state files is being used in preparation of the predictive model to assign the shoreline on Lake Hickory either a High, Medium, Low, or No probability for the occurrence of cultural resources. Prior to the completion of the model non-exempt activities such as excavation projects, commercial marina development, and certain conveyance projects will be provided to the appropriate SHPO for review before construction or excavation activity begins within the project boundary. To ensure the potential impact to cultural resources is properly evaluated after completion of the predictive model, Lake Management will review the predictive model for all non-exempt activities. Applicants for all non-exempt lake use permitting activities in medium and high probability areas will be required to consult with the appropriate SHPO regarding their proposal.