2019 Map of La Paloma

About this map

The Rio Grande snakes along the international border in Cameron County, forming a series of sharp, dramatic oxbows such as Wentz Bend, Wright Kingery Bend, and Clark Bend. This coastal prairie landscape is defined by its sophisticated water management systems, including the Harlingen Main Canal and large-scale storage facilities like Reservoir Number One and Reservoir Number Two. These resources support a dense network of residential colonias and historic farming communities that sit between the larger hubs of Harlingen and Brownsville. Numerous small settlements are concentrated along the highway corridors, including La Paloma, Los Indios, and El Calabozo. The map illustrates the region's unique settlement patterns, where established communities like Carricitos and Landrum provide a window into the agricultural and family history of the Lower Rio Grande Valley.