Originally home to the Potawatomi Indians, The City of Zion was founded in 1901. Zion was founded as a utopian society by world-renowned evangelist and orator Dr. John Alexander Dowie. It was established with the following pledge in mind: providing a community where residents would commit to living clean lives, have healthy habits and work together for the honor and glory of God. Zion was one of the first planned cities in the United States and was platted to imitate the layout of the British Union Jack flag. Following this plan, the major thoroughfares lead to the center of town. Further, Dowie made a deliberate effort to name each of the streets according to a biblical reference or, in the case of Edina Boulevard, after his beloved native city of Edinborough, Scotland.

Through the years, Zion has retained its rich, 100-year heritage while also embracing change to match inevitable growth. Many people have migrated to Zion, mostly for its close proximity to urban areas while still allowing residents to enjoy the benefits of living in a small, close-knit community. Today the city continues to aggressively herald its own future with eagerness and optimism. The city's economy is growing as millions of dollars in non-tax economic development funds are used to bring new business into the city as well as help existing businesses remodel. More than 100 new homes are being built here each year. However, Zion is still a place where residents recognize each other and enjoy a quality of life not available in other cities.

Many Zion residents were born and raised here, and can trace their roots in Zion back several generations. It's a city that all of its people are proud to call home.