In September 2023, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks became Ohio’s first UNESCO World Heritage Site. But what does this designation mean, and why were these ancient earthworks chosen?
The UNESCO World Heritage Criteria
UNESCO recognizes sites of “Outstanding Universal Value” that are important to all humanity. The Hopewell Earthworks were inscribed for their exceptional testimony to a vanished cultural trhttps://heritagesites.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/03/bridge-of-the-alexandre-iii-paris-DCN8QFX.jpgion and their demonstration of advanced knowledge in geometry, astronomy, and engineering.
The Inscription Process
The journey to World Heritage status took decades of research, advocacy, and collaboration between archaeologists, Indigenous groups, and state and federal agencies. The nomination highlighted the earthworks’ unique qualities:
- Monumental scale and geometric precision
- Astronomical alignments
- Cultural and spiritual significance
Global Recognition and Responsibility
World Heritage status brings international attention and support for preservation. It also acknowledges the earthworks as part of the shared heritage of humanity, not just of Ohio or the United States.
The Path Forward
With this recognition comes new responsibilities: to protect the sites, interpret their meaning, and involve descendant Indigenous communities in stewardship.
Explore further:
- UNESCO World Heritage List: Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks
- National Park Service: World Heritage in the United States
- Ohio History Connection: World Heritage Nomination
