Ohio poised to get its first UNESCO World Heritage site as soon as next year, at Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks

Columbus, Ohio – Thousands of years ago, these earthen structures dotted the rolling landscape of southern Ohio—massive circles, squares, hills, and more—designed and built by an ancient, evolving culture.

This culture and its creations are expected to gain global recognition as soon as next year, as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the first in Ohio.

Earlier this year, the National Park Service officially nominated the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks in Ohio for inclusion in its prestigious World Heritage Listwhich was established in 1972 to identify the most important cultural and natural monuments on Earth.

The World Heritage Committee, made up of representatives from 21 countries, is expected to make a final decision this summer.

Ohio tourism officials expect a significant increase in visitors to the sites once the decision is finalized.

that Ohio Supreme Court ruling This month was among the latest hurdles in the country’s efforts to identify its vast cultural assets. The ruling would allow the Ohio History Connection, which owns several Hopewell sites, to purchase the lease of the Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, which operated a private golf course at one of the sites, Octagon Earthworks.

Ohio History Connection Executive Director Megan Wood said it was important to provide more access to the octagon even without the pending World Heritage designation. The site is built approx…