The Savannah River marks the border between Georgia and South Carolina. It’s a scenic waterway famous for its beauty along riverfronts in areas like Augusta and Savannah. It’s also home to several islands, especially in the area around the mouth of Stevens Creek. One of these islands is of particular interest to archaeologists: Stallings Island. This area has a fascinating history and is a popular attraction for those kayaking along the river. 

Stallings Island's historical importance has been known for some time. Archaeologists first began exploring the area in 1861. A century later, it was officially designated as a National Historic Landmark. Sadly, it was heavily looted by trespassers. It is now under the care of the Archaeological Conservancy.
The Archaeological Conservancy/Facebook
It is thought that the first people to live on the island were the people of the Parris Island and Mill Branch cultures, from around 2500 B.C.E. to 1800 B.C.E. These people were harvesters of freshwater mussels, but not many artifacts have survived from this time period.
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The Stallings Culture is thought to have thrived here from around 1800 B.C.E. to 1400 B.C.E. There is much more physical evidence of these people here, as they were heavy producers of pottery.
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The Stallings Culture was unique in that this was the beginning of the shift from a hunter-gatherer mindset to a more agricultural village lifestyle.

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Some of the pottery that has been found here is actually the oldest known pottery in North America!
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This area is one of the oldest known areas to have been inhabited in the region.
The Archaeological Conservancy/Facebook
After the Archaeological Conservancy took over the island, donkeys and goats were introduced to help maintain the weeds and brambles that had begun to cover Stallings Island after years of neglect.
The Archaeological Conservancy
Visitors are not allowed to actually trespass onto the island due to its protected status, but it's a popular spot for kayakers to pass by along the Serene18 Trail.
The Archaeological Conservancy/Facebook

What a fascinating spot! Have you ever heard of Stallings Island?

You can learn more about The Archaeological Conservancy’s mission from The Archaeological Conservancy website. The Visit Columbia County, GA Facebook page has more information about both Stallings Island and the Serene18 paddle trail.

If you’re interested in checking out the paddle trail with your own gear, you can always check out the great kayaks at REI – some stores even offer kayaking lessons!

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