Skip to Content Facebook Feature Image

Ohio historical society settles with golf club to take back World Heritage tribal site

ENT

Ohio historical society settles with golf club to take back World Heritage tribal site
ENT

ENT

Ohio historical society settles with golf club to take back World Heritage tribal site

2024-08-02 06:09 Last Updated At:06:20

COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — Ohio’s historical society announced a deal Thursday that will allow it to take control of an ancient ceremonial and burial earthworks site located on the site of a golf course, ending years of litigation.

Ohio History Connection will pay Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark to buy out its lease and end the long-running legal dispute over the Octagon Earthworks, although the sum is confidential under a settlement agreement. The deal avoids a jury trial to determine the site's fair market value that had been repeatedly postponed over the years.

More Images
The clubhouse of the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, in Newark, Ohio, is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The clubhouse of the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, in Newark, Ohio, is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The entrance to the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, is seen in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The entrance to the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, is seen in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Octagon Earthworks mounds are seen beyond a greens facility sign at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Octagon Earthworks mounds are seen beyond a greens facility sign at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Golfers putt on a green in the private Moundbuilders Country Club, with mounds of the Octagon Earthworks seen behind them, in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Golfers putt on a green in the private Moundbuilders Country Club, with mounds of the Octagon Earthworks seen behind them, in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer watches their shot from the other side of an Octagon Earthworks mound at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer watches their shot from the other side of an Octagon Earthworks mound at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer tees off among Octagon Earthworks mounds at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer tees off among Octagon Earthworks mounds at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The Octagon Earthworks are among eight ancient areas in the Hopewell Earthworks system that were named a UNESCO World Heritage Site last year. The historical society, a nonprofit state history organization, takes control of them on Jan. 1 and plans to open them to visitors.

“Our guiding principles throughout this process have been to enable full public access to the Octagon Earthworks while ensuring Moundbuilders Country Club receives just compensation for the value of its lease on the property,” said Megan Wood, executive director and CEO of the Ohio History Connection. “And now we have accomplished those things.”

David Kratoville, president of the country club's board of trustees, said he has mixed feelings about coming to the end of the legal battle. He said negotiations over the past two months finally landed on a figure “that allows us to survive,” but the future of the club remains in limbo.

Moundbuilders is in negotiations to buy another property, the nearby public golf course Trout Club, but members gathered at an emotional meeting Monday where owners were unable to make promises for the future, he said.

“For me, the news will be where do we land after 114 years operating on this site,” he said.

Built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, the earthworks were host to ceremonies that drew people from across the continent, based on archeological discoveries of raw materials from as far west as the Rocky Mountains.

Native Americans constructed the earthworks, including eight long earthen walls, that correspond to lunar movements and align with points where the moon rises and sets over the 18.6-year lunar cycle. The History Connection calls them “part cathedral, part cemetery and part astronomical observatory.”

The historical society owns the disputed earthworks site, but it had been leased to the country club for decades. History Connection had put the value of the site at about $2 million, while the country club was seeking a much higher amount.

In 1892, voters in surrounding Licking County enacted a tax increase to preserve what was left of the earthworks. The area was developed as a golf course in 1911, and the state first deeded the 134-acre property to Moundbuilders Country Club in 1933.

A county judge ruled in 2019 that the historical society could reclaim the lease via eminent domain. But the club challenged the attempt to take the property, saying the History Connection didn't make a good- faith offer to purchase the property as required by state law. The country club argued that it had provided proper upkeep of the mound and allowed public access over the years — albeit only a few days a year.

Charles Moses, president of the organization’s board of trustees, said the History Connection is excited for the location to be “fully open to the citizens of Ohio — and the world.”

The settlement will be shared with the judge later this month and the case closed.

The clubhouse of the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, in Newark, Ohio, is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The clubhouse of the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, in Newark, Ohio, is seen on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The entrance to the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, is seen in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

The entrance to the private Moundbuilders Country Club, the site of the Octagon Earthworks, is seen in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Octagon Earthworks mounds are seen beyond a greens facility sign at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Octagon Earthworks mounds are seen beyond a greens facility sign at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Tuesday, Oct. 31, 2023. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Golfers putt on a green in the private Moundbuilders Country Club, with mounds of the Octagon Earthworks seen behind them, in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Golfers putt on a green in the private Moundbuilders Country Club, with mounds of the Octagon Earthworks seen behind them, in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer watches their shot from the other side of an Octagon Earthworks mound at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer watches their shot from the other side of an Octagon Earthworks mound at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer tees off among Octagon Earthworks mounds at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

A golfer tees off among Octagon Earthworks mounds at the private Moundbuilders Country Club in Newark, Ohio, on Friday, May 24, 2024. The Octagon, built between 2,000 and 1,600 years ago by people from the Hopewell Culture, is two combined earthwork enclosures that include a 20-acre circle and a 50-acre octagon, connected by a small passageway. (AP Photo/Carolyn Kaster)

Next Article

Celtics break NBA season 3s record in 123-103 victory over the Suns

2025-04-05 10:45 Last Updated At:10:50

BOSTON (AP) — Jaylen Brown scored 31 points and hit three 3-pointers and the Boston Celtics broke the NBA record for 3-pointers in a season in a 123-103 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Friday night.

Boston was 14 of 39 from 3-point range to push its season total to 1,370. Golden State held the previous record with 1,363 in 2022-23.

After having their nine-game winning streak halted in their previous game, the Celtics coasted to the victory.

Jayson Tatum added 23 points, eight rebounds and eight assists. Kristaps Porzingis had 15 points before he walked to the locker room holding a towel to the bridge of his nose early in the final quarter after getting hit by Cody Martin’s elbow while the Suns player was driving to the basket.

Porzingis raised both arms and waved to the crowd as he headed into the tunnel. He returned to the bench late in the game and the team said the cut required stitches.

Devin Booker led the Suns with 37 points. Phoenix has lost five straight.

Boston opened a double-digit edge on Payton Pritchard’s 3-pointer early in the second quarter, pushed it to 20 midway into the period and led by 14 at halftime.

Boston beat the Suns by 30 points in Phoenix during a 6-0 trip just over a week ago.

Suns: Bradley Beal returned after missing eight games with a hamstring injury. He looked rusty, going 0 for 7 from the floor — missing all three 3-point attempts. He made one free throw in 30 minutes. … Kevin Durant was out for the second straight with an ankle injury.

Celtics: At times, Tatum, Brown and Porzingis seem like they can take turns scoring against certain teams.

Pritchard hit a left-wing shot 3:40 into the second quarter for the club’s NBA record 1,364th 3-pointer.

The Celtics’ lead never fell into single digits in the second half.

The Suns are at the Knicks on Sunday, and the Celtics host the Wizards the same night.

AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, left, reaches to steal the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum, left, reaches to steal the ball from Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker (1) during the second half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) hangs onto the ball as Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) tries for a steal during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) hangs onto the ball as Boston Celtics guard Payton Pritchard (11) tries for a steal during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer calls to his players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Phoenix Suns head coach Mike Budenholzer calls to his players during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Phoenix Suns forward Ryan Dunn (0) drives to the basket against Boston Celtics guard Jrue Holiday (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) battles for a rebound with Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) battles for a rebound with Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics forward Jayson Tatum (0) drives to the basket past Phoenix Suns center Oso Ighodaro (4) during the first half of an NBA basketball game, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) takes a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Boston Celtics center Kristaps Porzingis (8) takes a three-point shot during the first half of an NBA basketball game against the Phoenix Suns, Friday, April 4, 2025, in Boston. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)

Recommended Articles
Hot · Posts