Teapot Dome Service Station ~ Washington

Back in the golden age of automobile touring, every turn around the bend presented a new adventure. In fact, adventure was the theme back in those days, since the element of time moved much faster than as did when riding a horse and carriage was the only option. Traveling longer distances in a day became possible and those who did found themselves in a state of wide eyed amazement. Savvy entrepreneurs realized the business potential of catering to this adventurous crowd and the trend of building eye catching tourist traps along travel routes went full swing. Route 66 is famous for being a showcase of nifty tourist traps throughout the ages, while the same idea spread to other travel routes in the far reaching corners of the west. Even the tiny towns way out in farm country soon had a roadside attraction of their own that lured the tourist dollar, which provided a unique experience for travelers that could be fondly remembered for years to come.

The Teapot Dome Service Station definitely is a unique relic from the golden age of automobile touring and all it takes is one look to be captivated. This nostalgic relic of the past is one of the best remaining examples of novelty architecture from an age long gone by. Dirty politics and scandal were involved with the conception of this nifty gas station and the shocking story is best left for visitors to discover while reading the historic placards onsite. This odd looking service station is located on Highway 12 in Zillah, Washington, which is still a major summer season tourism corridor in this modern age. A veterans memorial park is located right next door and there are plenty of outdoor outfitters to be found along the main drag, so this actually is a good spot to stock up for adventures in the Cascades and Mt Rainier. The Teapot Dome gas station no longer sells gas, but looking at the old original price for fuel on the pumps will quickly remind drivers just how much they are getting ripped off in this modern age of out of control price gouging and profiteering. This is one National Historic Site that you do not want to miss while touring this part of the west, so be sure to chalk the Teapot Dome Service Station high up on the destination list!