History
Our historians are specialists in architectural studies and the identification of historic buildings, structures, objects, and districts. We typically implement these studies concurrently with our Phase I archaeological surveys. Thus we offer our clients "one stop shopping" which minimizes costs and potential delays. Our historians also complete many county-wide and area specific architectural surveys. We always work closely with the staff at State Historic Preservation Offices (SHPOs) and maintain an excellent working relationship.
Brockington staff historians know the intricate nomination requirements and procedures of the National Register of Historic Places (NRHP). We have prepared and submitted numerous property and district nominations for official listing on the National Register. We most recently completed nominations for the Henry Ford Historic District in Richmond Hill, Georgia, and the Thompson House in Wake County, North Carolina.
We are experienced with both the Historic American Building Survey (HABS) and Historic American Engineering Record (HAER) programs, and we have submitted large format photographic documentations to the National Park Service.
Our historians routinely carry out archival research prior to archaeological and architectural studies. Information regarding previously identified cultural resources is gathered so the field investigators may reassess their current condition and status. Local histories are carefully read and knowledgeable informants interviewed so we may learn the historic contexts distinct to each study area. Context development help the field investigators determine what type of sites or resources are likely to be encountered in the field.
Recent Projects
Some recent Brockington HABS/HAER projects include HAER documentation of a twentieth century riverboat in the Tombigbee River, Pickensville, Alabama for the Mobile District, Army Corps of Engineers and the Phillips Farm complex in Spartanburg, South Carolina for the South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT). We also recently documented the Nike Missile launch and maintenance complex at the C.E. Kelly Army Reserve Base in Allegheny County, Pennsylvania.
When we conducted a bridge replacement archaeological survey in Chester County for the SDCOT, our archival research revealed that the Battle of Fishdam Ford occurred somewhere in the vicinity. Fishdam Ford was a significant Revolutionary War engagement fought between South Carolina militia and their Tory counterparts on November 10, 1780. Historians had long debated the exact location of this battle. With this information and first-hand battle accounts, we undertook our field survey. The topography surrounding our project area matched a hand drawn map sketched by one of the participants, and close scrutiny revealed rifle pits for sentries excavated into the steep hillside. The fine tuned archaeological study recovered numerous musket balls and USA Continental Army buttons. As a resuly, we had conclusively identified and delineated the Fishdam Ford battlefield. The SCDOT purchased the battlefield and transferred it to South Carolina Parks and Recreation for development into a state park.
Alex Sweeney of our Atlanta office examines historic maps on file. Most maps are today available on the internet, but our archive of historic maps is still a significant source of information.
Tabby walls of old plantation house at Cannon's Point on north end of Cannon's Point peninsula at St. Simons Island, Georgia.
