Originally Santa Clara del Cobre was inhabited by the Purépecha people, who discovered the copper of the region and developed techniques to work it, both in this town and in its surroundings, the ancient indigenous people of the region hammered copper to create utilitarian articles, ornaments such as zoomorphic bells, labia, earrings and other instruments such as axes and knives. With the arrival of the Spaniards and to their amazement at the nobility of this metal, they collaborated together with the Indians to improve working techniques and helped expand its uses , especially in the military field The arrival of Bishop Vasco de Quiroga marked a very important change in the organization and progress of artisan activities and trades.