Skip to main content

New World Heritage Site

EARTHWORKS These mounds were built in Ohio by Indigenous people about 2,000 years ago. EDWIN REMSBURG—VW PICS/UNIVERSAL IMAGES GROUP/GETTY IMAGES

The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) has made Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, in Ohio, a world heritage site. It was announced on September 19. Hopewell is now recognized as an important historic and cultural site, like the Taj Mahal, in India, and the Egyptian pyramids.

The earthen mounds were built by Indigenous peoples around 2,000 years ago. They range from three to 30 feet tall. Some are miles long. They are thought to have been used for religious ceremonies and burial.

UNESCO calls the site a “masterpiece of human creative genius.” Descendants of its builders say its inclusion on UNESCO’s list will remind people of the advanced knowledge and skill of Indigenous cultures throughout history.