ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HISTORIC CONTEXT

ARCHAEOLOGICAL AND HISTORICAL CONTEXT

Jekyll Island’s archaeological and architectural resources are actively managed under the stewardship of the Historic Resources Department of the Jekyll Island Authority in consultation with Georgia’s Department of Community Affairs, Historic Preservation Division (HPD), and State Historic Preservation Office (SHPO). Cultural Resource Investigations are conducted as a part of standard management practices supporting the stewardship of state lands. Accordingly, in FY2022 the Jekyll Island Authority hired Terracon Consultants, Inc. to conduct a Cultural Resource Investigation of the Jekyll Island golf courses. Terracon completed a Phase I Survey and Phase II Evaluation of the golf courses. The goals of the investigation were: 1) to identify the cultural resources located within the project area, and 2) to assess their significance in terms of their potential eligibility for inclusion in the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). Over the course of the investigation Terracon identified a variety of cultural resources. They consisted of both prehistoric and historic sites, architectural structures, and historic landscapes. The distribution and significance of all cultural resources found within the project area were documented to assist with management decisions for the proposed Golf Improvement Plan. Terracon assessed site significance, in terms of the NRHP Eligibility, for each of the identified resources. In its response HPD concurred with most of Terracon’s recommendations. Terracon and HPD agreed that one archaeological site (9GN345), along with Howland Road, Great Dunes golf course, Indian Mound golf course, and the golf clubhouse on Captain Wylly Road are each significant resources, eligible for listing in the Georgia National Register of Historic Places (GNRHP). Avoidance or mitigation was recommended for these resources.

There are three other resources that Terracon recommended as ineligible, including one archaeological site (9GN462), Oleander golf course, and Pine Lakes golf course. However, the HPD differed in its evaluation and currently considers the significance of these three resources to remain unknown. Additional consultation is required before any land-disturbing activities take place. Of special note, during this cultural resource investigation, the Great Dunes golf course was determined to be eligible for listing in the GNRHP. Recognizing that this course possesses special historic significance and integrity, the JIA has hired Brockington & Associates to prepare and submit a NRHP Nomination for the Great Dunes golf course. Great Dunes is the island’s oldest historic golf course still in use today, representing an enduring legacy of golf on Jekyll Island. Through this nomination process, the Great Dunes golf course should be properly recognized and honored as a valued part of Jekyll Island’s rich history.

STRATEGIC ACTIONS

• Continue pursuit to list the Great Dunes golf course on the National Register of Historic Places. • Engage a qualified Cultural Resource Management firm to consult with the State regarding the effect of the proposed Golf Improvement Plan on the island’s cultural resources and coordinate any requirements for further review by June 2023.