Fort Ancient could become Ohio’s first World Heritage Site

The Department of the Interior has nominated Fort Ancient to be designated as a World Heritage Site.

The Native American site near the Little Miami River, part of Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, could become Ohio’s first World Heritage Site.

Ohio State Representative Scott Lipps (R-Franklin) said they are among the largest earthworks in the world that are not fortifications or defensive structures.

“I am thrilled to see Fort Ancient and the rest of the Ohio earthworks finally getting the recognition they deserve,” Lipps said. “Not only does this pay tribute to the history of American Indians in Ohio, but it will also bring more tourists and economic prosperity to the district.”

The nomination of Fort Ancient will be sent to the World Heritage Centre.

According to the Centre, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks is on the tentative list of inductees. There are nine archeological sites of monumental earthworks constructed by the Ohio Hopewell culture.

"The mounds contain extensive ritual deposits of finely crafted artifacts. This nomination proposal encompasses the variety in Hopewell earthworks and includes examples from each of the valleys of several principal northern tributaries of the Ohio River," the Centre said.