CHILLICOTHE — As the only Ohio sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, the Hopewell Ceremonial Earthworks are of great interest to those traveling to the region.
In his book “Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio,” John Hancock explores these sites and helps visitors understand the rich history of the mounds.
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The illustrated guide showcases mounds created thousands of years ago from a traveler’s perspective by breaking up the sites into eight different routes that connect the mounds to other landmarks and towns in Ohio. This guidebook not only features mounds included in the UNESCO designation but also showcases mounds found throughout the region, helping to tell a broader story of the area and its history.
“This is a regional story,” said Hancock.
In addition to information about the earthworks, the guide talks about local sites and towns found nearby. Each site is ranked and helps visitors accurately plan their trips.
Hancock first became interested in earthworks decades ago, and since then he has worked with experts to locate mounds, tell their story and more through interactive websites, videos and now books. He even helped create the dossier used to get the Hopewell earthworks on the worldwide UNESCO list.
Melody Young, with the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau, said the guidebook is a useful tool for those wanting to explore the region. She said the bureau still gets visitors who come to the area to see the UNESCO site.
The Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio,” by John Hancock, is available for purchase online now. The guidebook can also be purchased in person at the Ross-Chillicothe Convention & Visitors Bureau and The History Store downtown.
This article originally appeared on Chillicothe Gazette: ‘Traveler’s Guide to Ancient Ohio’ teaches visitors about local mounds
Reporting by Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette / Chillicothe Gazette
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Shelby Reeves, Chillicothe Gazette | USA TODAY Network
