The Painted Rocks, Paint Rock Excursions

05/17/2026

One of the more intriguing pictographs at Paint Rock is this figure often referred to as “Four Horns.” Historians believe it may represent the name or story of a Plains Indian leader, with similar symbols appearing in Winter Counts and historical records from the 1800s.

What makes this pictograph especially fascinating is that it may have served not only as artwork, but also as a mnemonic marker tied to a significant event or even a specific time of year. The creator of this specific painting also incorporated solar interactions on the panel which can be seen at each Winter Solstice, adding to its mystery and wonder.

Centuries later, its meaning still sparks curiosity and conversation.

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day from all of us at The Painted Rocks.

Today, we would like to take a moment to recognize the “mother” of The Painted Rocks, Kay Campbell.

Kay - or better known as “Ma” - was not only a mother to her two sons, grandmother to her four grandchildren, and great-grandmother to her six great-grandchildren, but also a mother figure to countless others throughout her life. Even though she is no longer with us, her gentle spirit, compassion, and deep love for others still lives on in all of us who knew and loved her.

May we all strive to treat others with the same kindness and care that Kay showed so naturally, and see the world the way she did — with love, optimism, and the belief that there is good in everyone. The world is a better place because of her life and legacy.

Happy Mother’s Day.

05/05/2026

If you’ve ever stood at the Painted Rocks and felt the weight of history… you understand the significance of this place and the importance of protecting it.

Tonight is your last chance to help us preserve and share this place for the next generation through the San Angelo Gives initiative.

Every gift matters - right up until the end of this meaningful campaign.

Join us:

https://www.sanangelogives.org/organization/Painted-Rocks-Historical-Site

05/05/2026

We’ve already seen incredible support over the last couple of weeks. To those who have supported us during the San Angelo Gives campaign, thank you.

Every gift is a reminder that this place matters - not just to us, but to so many.

The Painted Rocks connect generations. Your support keeps that going.

If you’ve been meaning to give, there’s still time to be part of it. San Angelo Gives continues through the remainder of today.

https://www.sanangelogives.org/organization/Painted-Rocks-Historical-Site

05/05/2026

San Angelo Gives is today, and it’s your chance to help protect one of the most meaningful places in our region.

The Painted Rocks aren’t just history… they’re a story still being discovered.

If this place matters to you, we’d be honored by your support today.

https://www.sanangelogives.org/organization/Painted-Rocks-Historical-Site

05/03/2026

Some places don’t belong to us—they’re entrusted to us.

The Painted Rocks are one of those places.

This San Angelo Gives (May 5), we’re raising support to preserve and share this site so future generations can experience it the same way we have.

If you’ve ever stood here, you understand why it matters.

We’d be honored to have your help in protecting it:

https://www.sanangelogives.org/organization/Painted-Rocks-Historical-Site

05/01/2026

We are committed to preserving, protecting, and sharing the painted rocks for generations to come. Join us in our mission! San Angelo Gives is going on now and we would be honored to have your support.

Click the link below to join us!

https://www.sanangelogives.org/organization/Painted-Rocks-Historical-Site?fbclid=IwdGRjcARg7TRleHRuA2FlbQIxMQBzcnRjBmFwcF9pZAo2NjI4NTY4Mzc5AAEexJVDM1A615eWmcMbTBhfmuLO2rtVwZPYb7ROhiSaK5u12GY8jB2UFPV4jpA_aem_OL12Cs3-z3X4jJqZwC1xEA

04/26/2026

We’re in the ‘early giving’ stage of San Angelo Gives and off to a great start!

There are a few ways that you can help us reach our goal:

1. Like this post
2. Comment on this post
3. Share a Paint Rock memory on this post
4. Share this post to your page
5. Contribute to our goal. Any amount helps, no matter the size. Click the link below!

Thank you for helping us preserve, protect, and share this special place for generations to come!

The Painted Rocks Historical Site, Inc. (PRHS) was established in 2025 to protect and preserve 1,500 pictographs and petroglyphs covering a thousand-foot expanse of a limestone bluff fronting the Concho River in Concho County, Texas. Beyond stewardship, our mission is to

04/21/2026

The Painted Rocks recently established a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization: Painted Rocks Historical Site, Inc. Our mission is simple, yet important - to preserve, raise awareness, and share the site and its rock art with current and future generations.

If you’ve ever visited the Painted Rocks, you understand there is something deeply meaningful and powerful about standing in a place where history still speaks. It is a treasure worth protecting and sharing.

Today, we’re honored to participate in San Angelo Gives, which begins April 21 and runs through May 5. Our goal - to raise $7,000 to create an educational video that helps tell the story of Painted Rocks to visitors and the public.

Whether you give $5, $50, $500, or more, every gift matters and helps preserve this irreplaceable place for generations to come. Gifts can quickly and securely be processed by clicking the link below.

Thank you for believing in this mission and walking alongside us.

The Painted Rocks Historical Site, Inc. (PRHS) was established in 2025 to protect and preserve 1,500 pictographs and petroglyphs covering a thousand-foot expanse of a limestone bluff fronting the Concho River in Concho County, Texas. Beyond stewardship, our mission is to

04/12/2026

This Paint Rock pictograph is believed to represent a boat (or canoe) - fitting, given the Concho River flows just a few hundred yards from the site.

Boat imagery is extremely rare this far west, making it a unique feature among the panels here. Even more interesting, the figure appears to contain solar interactions (like many others found around the site), with shadows moving across it in a way that may have helped track time or seasons.

Its placement so close to the river offers a compelling connection between the artwork and the landscape - possibly reflecting travel, daily life, or deeper meaning tied to the Concho itself.