Virginia Department of Historic Resources Virginia Department of Historic Resources
For additional information, read the Nomination Form PDF
VLR Listing Date 05/13/1969
NRHP Listing Date 12/02/1969
NRHP Reference Number 69000284
These pictographs are on a rock face high on Paint Lick Mountain in Tazewell County. Stretched in a horizontal line along the irregular exposure is a series of simple images representing thunderbirds, human figures, deer, arrows, trees, and the sun, all painted in a red medium using iron oxide. Among the few prehistoric paintings extant in eastern North America, these images were executed by Indians before European settlement. Although some weathering and vandalism have occurred, these enigmatic works remain in relatively legible condition. The site is privately owned.
Abbreviations:
VLR: Virginia Landmarks Register
NPS: National Park Service
NRHP: National Register of Historic Places
NHL: National Historic Landmark
Updated: June 4, 2021
