Zillah, Washington

Zillah is a city in Yakima County, Washington, United States. The population was 2,198 at the 2000 census. It attracts some tourists because of the local church (the Church of God Zillah), the Teapot Dome gas station, or the El Ranchito restaurant.

History
Zillah was developed at the initiative of the railroad company as part of an irrigation scheme based on the Sunnyside Canal using water from the Yakima River. Founder was Mr. Walter N. Granger (whose name was given to a neighbouring city). The site was selected in 1891, and development began. A schoolhouse was built in 1894.

The town was officially incorporated on 5 January 1911.

The name "Zillah" is that of one of the moderately well-known Biblical figures. It was chosen in honour of Zillah Oakes, daughter of Thomas F. Oakes, the Northern Pacific Railroad company president.

Geography
Zillah is located at °N, °W (46.403561, -120.260696).

According to the United States Census Bureau, the city has a total area of 3.2 km² (1.2 mi²), all land.

Schools
Hilton Elementary School, Zillah Intermediate School, Zillah Middle School, and Zillah High School Home of the Leopards.

Tourist attractions

 * Church of God Zillah — Although the church is fairly conservative and some are unamused by this coincidence (the church was named long before the Godzilla movies began), the church embraces it, even putting a wireframe Godzilla float outside.
 * Teapot Dome gas station — National Historic Site.
 * El Ranchito — largest Mexican restaurant in the Yakima valley.