Rhea County, Tennessee | Scopes Centennial Celebration
Our History. Our Story.
March -July 2025
100 years ago, the town of Dayton captured the attention of the world through a misdemeanor trial that in many ways never ended. As we celebrate the centennial of the Scopes Trial, we invite you to investigate the resources we have here, and even better, visit Dayton and Rhea County and see for yourself.
Presented by:
The Scopes Trial Centennial Celebration is presented by the Scopes100 Centennial Celebration Committee and the following local organizations: Bryan College, the Rhea County Historical Society, the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation, the Rhea County Department of Tourism, and the Rhea Economic and Community Development Office.
Special thanks to Rhea County Executive Jim Vincent, Spring City Mayor Leon Locke, Dayton Mayor Hurley Marsh, and Graysville Mayor Bill Crawley for their leadership. We also extend our gratitude to Laura Travis, Spouse of Representative Ron Travis and long-term Commissioner of the TN State Museum, for her invaluable guidance. Lastly, we sincerely thank Dr. Douglas Mann, President of Bryan College, for assembling the Scopes100 Centennial Celebration Committee.
