Scopes Trial Fun Facts

Last Updated 2/17/2025


Jury verdict: In only nine minutes, the jury found John T. Scopes guilty of violating Tennessee’s Butler Act by teaching evolution at Rhea Central High School. 

Technicality: The Tennessee Supreme Court overturned the verdict on a technicality and dismissed the case. Circuit Judge John Raulston set Scopes’s fine at $100, but Tennessee law required the jury to set any fines over $50.


Bryan College debaters argue the merits of school choiceThe Rhea Heritage Preservation Foundation will host a debate featuring two students from the Bryan College Debate Team onThursday, April...
Scopes Trial intrigues the worldYesterday’s history, today’s headlines. Visit Dayton, TN, in July to see where it all started. For more information check out Scopes100....
Science, religion and Scopes: Conflict and cooperationThe “Great Commoner,” William Jennings Bryan, an outspoken proponent of the historic Christian faith, and the “Great Agnostic,” Clarence...
Heritage Days—Free Family Fun!
Jul 11, 2025
5:00 PM EDT
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
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Scopes Trial Play: Destiny in Dayton
Jul 11, 2025
7:00 PM EDT
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
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Heritage Days—Free Family Fun!
Jul 12, 2025
10:00 AM EDT
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
Read More 
Scopes Trial Play: Destiny in Dayton
Jul 12, 2025
2:00 PM EDT
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
Read More 

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