(a) Since the very early 1800's it has been recognized that the ancient Native-American Neward Earthworks, located in Heath and nearby Newark, Ohio represent invaluable historic significance found only in a small number of Ohio River Valley sites. These sites have been passed on to the Ohio History Connection, formerly the Ohio Historical Society, for study and preservation. In cooperation with the National Park Service, these sites have been submitted and are currently being evaluated for inclusion by UNESCO to the World Heritage list. Such inclusion would place these Ohio sites on par with such other National and World Historic Landmarks as found in the Mission District of San Antonio, Texas, highlighted by The Alamo.
(b) The earthworks are attributed to the Hopewell civilization dating to the period 100 B.C. to A.D. 400. As recognized in the Ohio History Connection publication The Newark Earthworks, head archaeologist Dr. Bradley Leper notes that these represent the largest connected set of geometric earthworks ever built. It is a treasure to the people of Ohio that the Great Circle Mound remains largely intact and undeveloped.
(Ord. 29-2017. Passed 10-2-17.)