A trial to determine how much Ohio’s historical society must pay to restore public access to a set of ancient ceremonial earthworks that has been leased for over a century to a country club has been rescheduled for July 15. The 2,000-year-old Octagon Earthworks near Newark in central Ohio are part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks network named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in September. Native Americans constructed the earthworks, including eight long earthen walls, that correspond to lunar movements.
The Ohio History Connection is on its last leg in gaining control of all eight of the ancient areas included in the World Heritage Site, which stretch across central and southeastern Ohio. The group has called them “part cathedral, part cemetery and part astronomical observatory.” In an Ohio Supreme Court decision, the society was allowed to reclaim the lease from Moundbuilders Country Club. However, trial delays ensued as the country club challenged the price-setting process.
The historical society put the value of the site at about $2 million, while Moundbuilders Country Club is seeking a much higher price. This proceeding in Licking County Common Pleas Court will finally decide on how much money will be paid for land held by Moundbuilders Country Club where golfers play alongside mounds and gain access back to these historic earthworks. Judge David Branstool reset the date Tuesday after hearing arguments from both sides.
