Remembering the Scopes ‘Monkey' Trial - Articles

All Content


Posted by: Brittany Sims on Jul 9, 2015

Tomorrow marks the 90th anniversary of the notorious Scopes “Monkey" Trial. During one sweltering week in July 1925, two of the 20th century's most famous lawyers — William Jennings Bryan and Clarence Darrow — squared off in the Rhea County Courthouse to debate the theological and biological origin of man's connection to primates. First-year teacher John Thomas Scopes was 24 when he was thrust into the spotlight for violating the Butler Act, which banned the teaching of evolution in public schools. The publicity stunt went viral, early 20th century style, with the case gaining national coverage. Read more in the Nashville Scene.