Rhea County and the city of Dayton, Tennessee, are preparing to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the historic Scopes Trial with a series of events and activities throughout 2025. The Scopes Trial, held in July 1925, was a landmark legal case that debated the legality of teaching evolution in public schools.
Centennial Celebrations and Events
The centennial celebration, known as “Scopes100,” is a collaborative effort presented by 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. The festivities are set to begin in March 2025.
A highlight of the celebration is the play “Destiny in Dayton,” which will be performed at the historic Rhea County Courthouse. Tickets are priced at $45, with a special performance on Saturday, July 19, 2025, costing $90; this includes a 1920s-themed dinner with the cast following the play. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit the Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation’s website.
