After the Independence of Mexico in 1821, the city became the seat of a municipality. The name of both the city and the municipality became Oaxaca, changed from Antequera. In 1872, "de Juárez" was added to the city and municipality names to honor the late Benito Juárez, a native son who had begun his legal and political career here; he had served as president of Mexico from 1858 to his death in 1872.