Tlazazalca
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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 invasion and enslavement of the region. Subsequently, Franciscan priests proceeded to baptize the enslaved Native Purepecha populations that inhabited the area. In addition to the city center, the Spanish Invaders 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 initially served as a major governing center in Michoacan until it was later subordinated to Zamora and Valladolid (Morelia).
