2020 Map of Palma

About this map

Palma sits at the heart of this Torrance County landscape, a rural settlement defined by its high desert terrain and livestock infrastructure. The area’s geography is shaped by drainage patterns like El Marge Draw and the deep relief of Carrizo Canyon, while prominent elevations such as Palma Hill and El Marge Hill provide natural landmarks. This 2020 survey illustrates a land management system heavily dependent on water catchment, as evidenced by the numerous named tanks scattered across the township lines. Ranching history is tied to these specific water sources, including Guadalupe Tank in the north and the centrally located Rock House Tank and Archuleta Tank. These features, along with names like Gonzales Tank and Bear Tank, reflect a legacy of land use where small-scale water improvements allowed for habitation and agriculture in an arid environment.