Lerma de Villada is a municipality located in the State of Mexico, situated just east of Toluca and approximately 54 km west of Mexico City. Founded during the early colonial period, the city was named after the Duke of Lerma in Spain. The area's original Nahuatl name is Cacamilhuacan, which translates to "crows in the field," a reference reflected in both its Aztec glyph and Spanish coat of arms.
The municipality holds historical significance as it served as the capital of Mexico State for a period following independence before the seat was moved to Toluca. The area also played a role in the Mexican War of Independence, serving as the site for the Battle of Monte de las Cruces and the Battle of Lerma. Today, the region is one of the most densely populated areas in Mexico, experiencing significant growth along the Toluca-Mexico City highway and on the floodplains of the Lerma River.
Environmental challenges persist in the municipality due to its geography. The overflow of the Lerma River during the rainy season causes frequent and significant flooding problems for the surrounding area. Despite these issues, the region remains a major hub of population growth within the state.