In 1522, the Spanish conquistadors learned that the inhabitants of the area around Taxco paid tribute to the Aztecs in silver, and they set about conquering the region and setting up mines. In the 1700s, Don Jose de la Borda, a Frenchman of Spanish descent, arrived in the area and became very wealthy from silver mining. He commissioned the baroque Santa Prisca Church that is the centerpiece of Taxco’s Zócalo.

The town’s silver industry later experienced a lull until the arrival of William Spratling in 1929, who opened a silver workshop. His designs, which were based on pre-Hispanic art, became very popular. He trained other artisans and is thought to be responsible for Taxco’s reputation as the silver capital of Mexico.