The Story of Palms - Earliest Years
by David I. Worsfold

David I. Worsfold, noted Palms historian, booster, and honorary mayor, wrote this article in the late-1940's.

     Many new residents have moved here in the past few years and know nothing about the background of the community, so it has been decided to publish a brief history of Palms which will appear in a number of installments in the space.

     Under orders of King Carlos III of Spain, the pueblo of Los Angeles was established in September 1781 by Governor Felipe de Neve.  Some 38 years later, settlement of the great valley west of the pueblo began with the rancho known as La Ballona.  This was a Spanish grant to Augustin and Ygnacio Machado and Felipe and Tomas Talamantes in 1819.  Upon the lands of this rancho of the adjoining rancho Rincon de Los Bueyes, established in 1821, the present community of Palms is located.

     Palms Chamber of Commerce is a voluntary civic organization established in 1907 and devoted to the development of the community.