Scopes Trial Fun Facts

Last Updated 2/28/2025


Evolution law mothballed: Although no other teacher was ever prosecuted for teaching evolution in Tennessee, the Butler Act would stay on the books for 42 years, only being repealed in 1967.


Fiction rather than history: Inherit the Wind is a parable that fictionalizes the 1925 Scopes "Monkey" Trial as a means to discuss McCarthyism and censorship in 1950s America.Very little of the play or film is historically accurate. For a historically accurate rendition of the trial, come watch Destiny in Dayton, a stage play performed in the original Scopes Trial courtroom. For more information, visit Scopes100.com.


Summer Nights concerts continue with Eddie BeaversEddie Beavers, a highly versatile musician, will take the Rhea County Courthouse outdoor stage Friday, June 13, for the second night of ...
One month to go!The centennial production of the Scopes Trial Play Destiny in Dayton begins in a month. The trial of the century itself began one month ...
June 5, 1925—THIS DAY IN SCOPES HISTORYWhile in Nashville, William Jennings Bryan tells the Chattanooga Daily Times that “Professor Scopes can think anything he pleases and sa...
GET YOUR TICKETS NOW!The July 12 matinee performance of Destiny in Dayton is sold out! Don't wait to order your tickets for the remaining three shows. ORDER NOW!
Joe C. DeVille rocks the courthouse June 20
Jun 20, 2025
6:30 PM EDT
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
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Wilson and Cross closes out summer concert series June 27
Jun 27, 2025
6:30 PM EDT
1475 Market Street
Dayton, TN 37321
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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
Read More 

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