Seeking to challenge the Butler Act of 1925, which made teaching human evolution illegal in Tennessee state-funded schools, the ACLU offered to defend anyone accused of violating the law. The little town of Dayton saw a chance to get some publicity for their town and asked 24-year-old John Scopes, a Dayton high school science and math teacher, if he was willing to test the law. The trial attracted famous attorneys, received press coverage around the world, and was the first US trial to be broadcast on radio. John Scopes was fined $100 but the verdict was overturned on a technicality. The law wasn’t repealed until 1967.
The courtroom has been restored to its 1925 appearance. A small museum with many photographs of the trial and town is located in the basement of the courthouse.
An entrance with a ramp is located on Court Street. An elevator accesses the courtroom and the basement museum. Sidewalk curb cuts are steep and uneven so use the little ramp on Court Street that leads to the entrance sidewalk.
RVs can be parked along 3rd Ave. Museum
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So did the ACLU pay the hundred bucks??
ReplyDeleteNo, the verdict was overturned so the fine was never paid - :-D.
ReplyDeleteThe town sure did have a good time with the trial though and they're still enjoying it with a yearly festival. "The 2014 Scopes Festival -- the 26th -- will be held Friday and Saturday, July 18 and 19"