Ancient earthen structures in Ohio become a UNESCO World Heritage Site

Scattered throughout Central Ohio are earthworks that are believed to have been constructed by ancient indigenous people for ceremonial or spiritual purposes up to two thousand years ago. Several, including some burial mounds, are protected as part of Hopewell Culture National Historical Park. And now, they have been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Correspondent Conor Knighton explores the grandeur of these mysterious complexes.

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[bigheartedgranny]

Serpent Mound is one of the most fascinating sites I have ever seen.

[MTMountainMan]

So glad to see this being done and I wish the National Park Service would move quickly to protect ALL of the Mississippian Era and Pre-Columbian sites/mounds all over the country before more golf courses and railroad tracks and Wal-Marts chip them away 10 acres at a time.

[Cynewise_]

I’m happy that people are becoming more aware of the ancient mound builders. So many have been destroyed, robbed and repurposed. It’s shameful.

[meatdog]

I've been going to these areas since the 1970's. It's a powerful place to see and feel.

[Gypsy]

There are mounds in South Charleston WV as well. Glad these are being recognized.

[JayYoung-rovu]

Am glad that the Hopewell site has been globally recognized. I was taught about these in Ohio history class which hasn't been taught in many years. "Unimportant."

[pottergirl]

Last year, I discovered the Effigy Mounds National Monument in northern Iowa. This has native mounds scattered across the bluffs and some of them are even shaped like bears! I had no idea I lived so close to such a place until I happened to see a sign while driving by once. Being amongst these places is something special and I wish they had more recognition for how amazing and powerful they are.

[RedHeart]

I've been to the Hopewell site (as a boy, back in the 60s), and know a fair amount about it - if you're willing to learn and appreciate listening to the Other, it's worth visiting. There are Hopewell-connected sites in Florida (for instance Crystal River) and around the country. A lot of trade and exchange took place. (I'm an archaeologist who studies ancient technology and ancient diet.) The culture was far more complex than people think and Native America was widely connected with evidence of contact and influence throughout much of the continent.

[steveconn]

Shout-out of course to the similar Cahokia Mounds in Illinois!

[ebybeehoney]

Cahokia Illinois is worth a trip. I've been a few times including in school. I love it out there. St Louis used to have Mound City. But those mounds were destroyed which just hurts my heart.

[briangarrow]

My aunt and uncle lived near Dayton and she would walk her dog in the fields near her home. She found multiple stone tools while walking around. I walked with her and her dog and she found a stone corn grinder that I still have to this day.

[Jacob-seek-Jesus-]

They have the same Indian burial & ceremonial mounds at LSU & around Louisiana & it has been part of our state history.

[barbm]

There are prehistoric mounds all over the country. Some built mounds on top of even older mounds. So glad this area is being preserved.

[celestepalm]

Are you telling us that the Serpent & Egg mound is NOT part of this UNESCO site?!? It's weird CBS doesn't show it even _once._

[oakleafwellness]

Thanks for brining this into the news for those that have never heard of it!

[coryspang]

Fort Ancient, Miamisburg Mound, Sunwatch Village are some other great places in Ohio to visit for ancient indigenous American settlements

[battalionR]

It's sad that this protection didn't occur earlier. From the Octagon there is a straight highway that leads to the Chillicothe Earthworks. Much of it has been destroyed by farming. There are several places nearby on private land that are connected to the Newark site. My neighbor has a signal mound that you can see the Great Circle from. Last year, I found a stone hammer in a cornfield nearby while looking for arrowheads. And, I am aware of a stone pyramid about 8 miles away on private ground.
Im glad that these sites are being saved, though I would not like to see anything placed under anything to do with the UN.

[p.ipebomb]

I'm not indigenous but this makes me feel proud to be an American and recognize what they accomplished 💪

[yseson_]

More native mounds recognized! the Hopwell structures join The #Cahokia mounds here in Illinois. Seeing as these cultures had urban centers and sophisticated trade systems, maybe we can rewrite our understanding of ancient native cultures

[tw]

Excellent. So glad to see this important world heritage site getting the awareness that is beneficial for all humanity and hopefully the preservation so that future generations can also benefit.