In 1850, Nathan B. Jones, a pioneer of 1847, settled at the head of Tanner Creek and platted lots for a community he called "Zion Town".

[1] It is unknown if he named the place for Mount Zion, a summit located about a mile to the southeast.

[1] Nathan B. Jones, who was considered an eccentric hermit, had wanted Zion Town to become the new capitol of Oregon.

[1] Sylvan post office was located at what today is the interchange of Sunset Highway, Scholls Ferry Road and Skyline Boulevard within the Portland city limits in Multnomah County.

The Portland Children's Museum, the Oregon Zoo and Washington Park are all located in the neighborhood.