TLALPAN

delegacin, central distrito federal (federal district), central Mexico. At 1,425 feet (2,294 m) above sea level in the Valley of Mexico, it is on the northeastern slopes of the extinct Cerro Ajusco volcano. In the district are remains of a pre-Columbian town, and 1.5 miles (2.5 km) west of Tlalpan is the Cuicuilco Pyramid, considered to be the oldest man-made structure on the North American continent (dating from 8000 to 7000 BC). During the colonial era the settlement was called San Agustn de las Cuevas, after the church of the same name (1532). Given city status in 1827, Tlalpan served as capital of Mxico state from 1827 to 1830. It retains a traditional and tranquil atmosphere, with large residences, health-care institutions, and rehabilitation centres. Because of its proximity to central Mexico City, which lies approximately 12.5 miles (20 km) to the north-northeast, Tlalpan is easily accessible by highway, railroad, and air. Pop. (1970) 22,128.