Zion (American Synthesis)

Zion is a religious theocracy based in the American Southwest throughout the former states of Utah, Colorado, Wyoming, and Arizona.

Settlers into Zion Canyon
Following economic stagnation in the 2020s and 2030s, homeless people began to settle into Zion Canyon to avoid urban police forces and unrest grasping the country. With President Cotton cutting National Park budgets, Park Ranges were unable to keep squatters and settlers out of the Canyon. The early Zion settlements consisted of tent cities near the Virgin River.

By 2035, over 4,000 people were living within Zion Canyon.

Zion's Arrival (2036)
Edward Pappas, a professor teaching at Ramapo College on the East Coast, took refuge in Zion Canyon on June 12th, 2036 as the American Northeast began to collapse.

Pappas, having experience in positions of leadership, was able to lead the Zion settlers and organize them into a force. Guns were smuggled from nearby towns such as Springdale and St. George to amass a military force. By 2040, people had rallied around Pappas as he took up the new name of Zion and the title of "Leader of Zion".