Prehistoric Rock Art in Texas Faces Risk from Proposed Border Wall Construction

Archaeologists and landowners in Val Verde County, Texas, have raised alarms about potential damage to ancient rock art sites from planned extensions of the Mexico-U.S. border wall. Federal notifications indicate construction could traverse private properties west of Del Rio, near where the Pecos River meets the Rio Grande. This region contains hundreds of Pecos River style murals, some dating back approximately 5,700 years. In 2021, the area received National Historic Landmark status, highlighting its archaeological significance. Carolyn Boyd, an archaeologist at Texas State University and founder of the Shumla Archaeological Research & Education Center, expressed concern that government actions might contradict this protective designation. Her research has documented murals spanning up to 100 feet in length and 20 feet in height, created over a 4,000-year period. Boyd estimates about 80 known archaeological sites would be located south of the proposed barrier, with 13 more within 500 meters. Landowner Raymond Skiles Jr. and others worry that construction vibrations could destabilize rock surfaces and harm the art permanently. U.S. Customs and Border Protection stated it has performed environmental assessments and outreach to minimize impacts on cultural resources, but some locals and researchers report being unaware of such efforts. The timeline for wall construction in Val Verde County remains unclear, with broader negotiations ongoing. The situation leaves the future of these prehistoric artworks uncertain.