DAYTON, Tenn. (WDEF) – A courtroom drama that made national headlines a hundred years ago is coming back to life right where it all happened.
Destiny in Dayton, a live reenactment of the Scopes Monkey Trial, is drawing crowds from across the region.
The 1925 Scopes Trial put Dayton, Tennessee on the map when teacher John T. Scopes was prosecuted for teaching evolution in violation of state law.
It became a national spectacle, pitting science against religion, and two legal giants, Clarence Darrow and William Jennings Bryan, against each other.
From 1892 to 2019, real trials were held in the historic Rhea County Courthouse, including the famous Scopes Trial.
But in 2020, a new justice center opened nearby, and the original courtroom now serves a different purpose, preserving history through events like this.
This year marks the 100th anniversary, making the performances more meaningful than ever.
The July 11th and 12th shows are already sold out, but a few tickets remain for July 19th.
Saturday’s show includes a 1920s-style dinner with the cast on the courthouse lawn, plus live Big Band music from Scenic City Sound.
If you’re looking to step back in time and witness a landmark moment in American history, this is your chance.
