Tlazazalca is a small town in the northern region of
Michoacan,
Mexico in an area first settled by ancient
Nahuatl tribes in the early 14th Century.
Overview
The town was officially established in 1545 by the
Franciscan priest John of Saint Michael (Spanish: Juan de San Miguel) who accompanied the army of
Nuño de Guzman during the conquest of the region. Subsequently, Franciscan priests proceeded to baptize the Native Purepecha and Chichimeca populations that inhabited the area. In addition to the city center, the Spanish Conquistadors also established within the jurisdiction of Tlazazalca an "Indian Republic" (Spanish: Republica de Indios) whose role was to govern directly the Native populations subjected to Spanish authority.
The town and surrounding areas were administered by the Parish of Saint Mark the Archangel (Parroquia de San Miguel Arcángel) whose name was chosen in honor of the town's Franciscan founder. Tlazazalca served as a major governing center in Michoacan until it was later subordinated to Zamora and Valladolid (Morelia).