After more than a decade of legal battles, the Newark Earthworks’ Octagon Mounds are finally set to be fully accessible to the public. The Moundbuilders Country Club and Ohio History Connection have reached a settlement that will allow Ohio History Connection to buy out Moundbuilders’ lease on the property, opening the way for full public access starting on January 1. The details of the settlement remain confidential, according to representatives from both entities.
The Octagon Earthworks, part of the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks, Ohio’s only UNESCO World Heritage Site, has been leased by Moundbuilders Country Club since 1910. With the settlement in place, the property will be fully open to visitors, allowing them to explore the earthworks built by ancient American Indian peoples over 2,000 years ago. The Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks received World Heritage status in September, highlighting the significance of the site.
The legal battle between Moundbuilders and Ohio History Connection began in January 2013, with Ohio History Connection suing the country club in November 2018 to buy back the lease on the property. The Ohio Supreme Court ruled in December 2022 that the Ohio History Connection could take back the property through eminent domain, leading to the eventual settlement that brings the legal dispute to a close.
Visitors will soon be able to experience the Octagon Earthworks firsthand, with plans for full public access being finalized by Ohio History Connection. Similar to the Great Circle Earthworks, the site will have posted hours and scheduled tours and programs led by staff members. The 134-acre site will be open to the public after five months of planning and preparations.
The settlement also paves the way for Moundbuilders Country Club to purchase a new property from The Trout Club by the end of the year, ensuring the continuation of the club’s golf tradition in Newark. This purchase is not directly related to the settlement but is crucial for the club’s survival. With the legal battle behind them, both parties can now focus on moving forward.
As Ohio History Connection prepares for full public access to the Octagon Earthworks starting January 1, they are also planning for a grand welcoming event to invite visitors from around the world. The site, with its unique Native American landscape architecture, is a rare and monumental piece of history that will now be accessible 365 days a year to all who wish to explore its wonders.
Overall, the settlement marks the end of a long legal battle and opens a new chapter for the Octagon Earthworks and the Ohio History Connection. With full public access on the horizon, visitors will soon have the opportunity to experience this UNESCO World Heritage Site firsthand and learn about the ancient cultures that built these remarkable earthworks over two millennia ago.
