OH SCR16

Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks located in Warren County, Ross County, and Licking County were the epicenter of an American Indian culture dating back approximately 2,000 years ago and feature precise geometric shapes, celestial alignments, and artifacts crafted from exotic materials sourced from the Atlantic Ocean and Rocky Mountains.

Newark Earthworks and Fort Ancient sites are owned and managed by the Ohio History Connection and listed as National Historic Landmarks, while Hopeton, High Bank, Seip, Mound City, and Hopewell Mound Group are owned and managed by the National Park Service and also listed as National Historic Landmarks.

UNESCO World Heritage Site designation would attract significant domestic and international tourism to the region, resulting in millions of dollars in increased spending and investment.

Eastern Shawnee Tribe of Oklahoma, Pokagon Band of Potawatomi, National Congress of American Indians, and other Tribal Nations have expressed support for the nomination.

Ohio General Assembly recognizes the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks as having universal cultural significance and expresses support for UNESCO World Heritage Site nomination; the Clerk of the Senate shall transmit copies to the Director of the United States Department of the Interior, Ohio Congressional delegation, and Ohio news media.