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The article analyzes the history of the Spanish conquest of the Tarascan Indians of Michoacan, whose territory was located near the Western borders of the strongest Aztec state in ancient Mexico. The work notes that until the arrival of the Spanish conquerors the Tarascans stubbornly resisted the Aztecs and were in a state of hostility with them. The author notes some features of the Spanish conquest of this part of pre-colonial Mexico. While the history of the Aztec conquest is known for persistent resistance to the conquistadors, the submission of the Tarascans was relatively peaceful. This was facilitated by the lack of agreement among the natives in the fight against the conquerors: the Tarascans did not agree to create a military Alliance with the Aztecs, suspecting them of treachery. The article emphasizes that the policy and practice of intimidation by H. Cortez and his entourage also had an impact. The last pre-Hispanic Tarascan ruler, Tangahoan, after some hesitation, recognized the authority of the Spanish king and was baptized in 1525. However, Tangahoan was executed (burned at the stake) on February 14, 1530, after failing to fulfill another demand of the official Royal official and conqueror N. de Guzman regarding the tribute. The article highlights the specifics of the policy of the Spanish conquerors in relation to the Tarascans. As the conquistadors peacefully recognized their authority, the rulers of Michoacan retained their rights for almost half a century. Only since 1565, when he died the younger son Tangahoan and the last ruler of the Tarascan Antonio Huitzimengari begins the colonial history of Michoacаn. The author emphasizes the importance of using the system of community structures of the Tarascans in the organization of local government by the Spaniards of the conquered Indians. The Tarascans took part in the military campaigns of the Spaniards, the suppression of uprisings. The descendants of their ancient elite held command positions in the organization of tribute collection, working groups for the implementation of the first construction projects of the colonizers. The article briefly notes the features of the Tarascan Christianization associated with the personality of Bishop V. de Quiroga (died 1565), who tried to embody the ideas of Th. More in Michoacan and is deeply revered by the Tarascans up to the present day as the "father of the people".