On April 22, 1519, Hernán Cortés founded the Villa Rica de la Vera Cruz, the first town council of continental America. According to a study published by the Institute of Historical Research of UNAM, the new council held that the powers Cortés had held until then had expired. It then named him, in the name of the Crown, justicia y alcalde mayor, the town’s judge and chief magistrate.
The study observes that by sheltering behind the council, Cortés “imposibilitó a sus soberanos para que le negaran la legitimidad” (made it impossible for his sovereigns to deny him legitimacy). The council’s agreement with Cortés of August 5, 1519 was signed by Diego de Godoy, its public notary.