This location was further favored by the Nazas River, one of the most important rivers in the present-day state of Durango. This allowed for the establishment of a Jesuit mission in 1705 after the arrival of the Spaniards in the region.

Thanks to the existence of a ford in the Nazas River, specifically a section with a firm bottom and shallow depth, it was possible to cross it without risks. This situation, combined with the agricultural production of the region, made Nazas a highly prosperous place economically by the late 18th century, which allowed it to acquire the status of a town (villa) in 1824. Over time, more than fifteen haciendas were counted in this area, mostly small but all with excellent irrigation systems.

The urban layout is aligned parallel to the riverbed for optimal water utilization through an irrigation canal system. As for its architecture, Nazas reached its true splendor in the mid-19th century with significant constructions, both civil and religious. Among the latter, the parish church dedicated to Santa Ana stands out, originally a Jesuit temple dedicated to the Five Lords located in the indigenous village.