Early Silver Mining

• Spanish explorer Hernan Cortez discovered the silver mines of Taxco in the 16th century. The find followed his conquest of the Aztecs, who may well have been mining in the area already, according to Floramex's "History of Silver in Taxco."
  
  Before long, the mined silver started making its way back to Spain from this remote mountain spot, eventually establishing Taxco as Spain's principal New World source of the precious metal. It was not to last, however. As more accessible sources were discovered, activity at the Taxco mines gradually died out.
  
  

Renewal of Mining

• The French prospector Jose de la Borda rediscovered Taxco in the 18th century and made his fortune mining the silver there. As a token of his gratitude he commissioned the building of the Santa Prisca Cathedral, the town's most famous landmark. Other successful miners also built churches in the town. Over time the silver deposits became depleted and only one small mine remains open today, according to MexOnline.
  
  

William Spratling

• The arrival in Taxco of William Spratling, an American professor of architecture, in 1929 was the start of a new interest in silver. Spratling originally came to study Mexican culture and to write a book. He decided to stay, and turned his hand to training the local people in the art of silversmithing and handcrafted jewelry.
  
  Once trained, the artisans started opening workshops and stores of their own, producing some of the most unique and highly sought-after silverware--everything from coins to vases, tableware and of course jewelry. Pre-Columbian culture was and still is the inspiration for many of the designs, according to the online silver jewelry store Mexicana.
  
  

Thriving Silver Trade

• Today there are hundreds of shops and many renowned silver jewelers operating in Taxco. The town also holds a busy silver Tianguis (market) every Saturday where, according to MexOnline, there are bargains to be had at the dozens of stalls selling silver items of every kind.
  
  Every November the world-famous Silver Fair is held in Taxco. It's an opportunity for craftsmen, artists and silversmiths to show their work and a national prize is awarded to the best silver artist.
  
  

Spratling's Legacy

• Spratling is widely acknowledged as "The Father of Mexican Silver." There is a silver bust of him in Taxco's silver museum, which also has pictures of Don Jose de la Borda. The Spratling Museum houses a collection of silver and pre-Columbian figures left to the town of Taxco by Spratling.