It was discovered through the Phase I survey conducted as part of SCE&G's new-license application. The site contains more than 13,000 years of human occupation. Extensive archaeological investigations and Phase III data recovery excavated about 200 square meters to depths of 3.65 meters, recovering more than 37,000 artifacts and documenting 80 pits, hearths, and posts.

Evidence of a Middle Woodland structure and possible Early and Middle Archaic structures were discovered, with the latter among the oldest known structures in the state. The final agreement involved SCE&G, FERC, SHPO, and the Catawba Indian Nation THPO.

What Would Have Been Lost

South Carolina Electric and Gas (SCE&G) applied to the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) for a new license to operate its hydroelectric plant on Lake Murray. Consultation led to a year-long excavation of the Tree House Site, one of the oldest human occupations in the Southeast, a permanent exhibit at Saluda Shoals Park, and an online booklet on the history of Lake Murray Dam and the Tree House Site. If the proposed July 2026 revisions by the Advisory Council on Historic Preservation to Section 106 went into effect, community and Tribal consultation could have been bypassed resulting, in a different outcome for this project that did not recognize community needs and connection to this site.