1963 Map of Panama Ranch

About this map

Panama Ranch and the small settlement of Panama stand as central points of activity in this arid corner of Otero County. Mapped in the early 1960s, the landscape is defined by the dramatic escarpment of The Rim, which drops sharply away from the elevated plateau of the Lincoln National Forest. The scarcity of water is the primary driver of development here, evidenced by a dense network of man-made features like Jones Farm Tank, Pot Hole Tank, and Rock Bottom Tank. These water sources, often located near drainages like Segrest Draw and Crooked Canyon, supported the ranching operations that characterize the region's economy. The presence of a simple Jeep Trail and various fence lines underscores the remote, utilitarian nature of the land use during this era.