Rhea County, Tennessee
Rhea County sits in eastern Tennessee along the Tennessee River and is best known for the famous Scopes “Monkey” Trial of 1925. Dayton serves as the county seat, and the community still remembers the event today with an annual festival celebrating this unusual piece of local history.
The scenery here is pretty impressive too, with views stretching toward the Appalachian Mountains. Watts Bar Lake is a popular spot for fishing, boating, and spending a relaxing day on the water. The nearby Cherokee National Forest adds even more opportunities for hiking, camping, and enjoying the great outdoors.
Rhea may be a small county, but it has plenty of personality. Friendly locals, historic communities, and modern conveniences all come together here. The area is also known for its strawberries, and every May, the annual strawberry festival brings plenty of food, fun, and community spirit to town.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| County Name | Rhea County |
| County Seat | Dayton |
| Population | Approximately 34,000 |
| Cities, Towns, and Communities | Dayton, Spring City, Graysville |
| Interstates and Highways | U.S. Highway 27, State Highway 30 |
| FIPS Code | 47-143 |
| Total Area (Land and Water) | 336 square miles (316 sq mi land, 20 sq mi water) |
| Adjacent Counties (and Direction) | Cumberland County (Northwest), Roane County (Northeast), Meigs County (East), Hamilton County (South), Bledsoe County (West) |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time Zone (EST) |
| State | Tennessee |
| Coordinates | 35°43’N, 84°59’W |
| Etymology | Named after John Rhea, a Tennessee politician and U.S. Congressman |
| Major Landmarks | Rhea County Courthouse (site of the Scopes Trial), Watts Bar Lake, Bryan College |
