Rhea County was created in 1807 out of Roane County, and named for Revolutionary Soldier and member of the United States Congress, John Rhea. Bordered by the Tennessee River on the east and the Cumberland Plateau on the west, Rhea County is rich in natural beauty. Of historic note, Rhea County is home to the famous Scopes trial (or monkey trial) where William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow debated the theory of evolution in the county courthouse.

The Rhea County Strawberry Festival Parade.

This restored courthouse was built in 1891 and  designated a National Historic Landmark in 1977.  To find out more about Rhea County, visit the following sites:  Rhea County Department of Education  Oxford Graduate School City of Dayton Tennessee Strawberry Festival