Garfield and Salem are in Dona Ana County on NM 187, a few miles northwest
of Hatch. Both are farming communities.
Garfield moved from its original site in 1916 after the Elephant Butte
Dam was completed. The dam eliminated the flooding of the Rio Grande that
had previously happened. Originally called Loma Parda or "gray hill",
its new name was chosen to honor President James A. Garfield.
Salem was founded in 1908 by a group of New Englanders from Salem,
Massachusetts, who renamed the area previously called Plaza.
There has been a post office in Salem since 1908.