On September 19, the UNESCO World Heritage Committee made a landmark decision to include Ohio’s Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as the 25th addition from the United States to the World Heritage List. This monumental recognition places Ohio on the global map for its rich cultural heritage and historical significance.
The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks: A Brief Overview
Built between 1,600 and 2,000 years ago by Native Americans, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are a collection of eight sites located in Licking, Ross, and Warren counties. These sites are not just piles of earth; they are intricate masterpieces of landscape architecture. Their enormous scale, geometric precision, and astronomical alignments make them exceptional among ancient monuments worldwide. The sites are managed by the National Park Service and the Ohio History Connection, with five locations under the former and three under the latter.
The Journey to World Heritage Status
The nomination process for the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks to join the World Heritage List began in January 2022, led by the U.S. Department of the Interior. However, the journey to this point has been over a decade in the making. Megan Wood, Executive Director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection, remarked, “Inscription on the World Heritage List will call international attention to these treasures long known to Ohioans.”
What This Means for Ohio
The World Heritage inscription brings unparalleled recognition to places of exceptional interest and value. With only about 1,000 World Heritage sites globally, Ohio’s first World Heritage Site is now part of an exclusive club. This recognition is expected to boost tourism and educational opportunities, enriching the state both culturally and economically.
Further Information
For those interested in learning more about these ancient marvels or participating in upcoming commemoration activities, the official website hopewellearthworks.org offers a wealth of information.
Image by Liselotte Brunner from Pixabay
