Dayton

Location: Rhea County

Size: 6.4 square miles

Population (2012 census estimate): 7,313

County population (2012 census, estimate): 32,247

Year founded: 1820 as Smith's Crossroads. Renamed Dayton in 1877.

Mayor: Gary Louallen. Type of government: City council/manager. The council has four members plus the mayor.

Schools: Dayton City School (grades K-8). Bryan College

New Facilities: A new water plant is under construction.

Wellness: Walking tracks at Delaware Complex and Point Park

Traditions: Farm vendors around the courthouse square.

Attractions: MainStreet Spring Fling, April 12, 2014. 67th annual Tennessee Strawberry Festival 2014 is May 9-10 with the theme, "Hollywood Strawberries." Museum of the Scopes Trial at Rhea County Courthouse. Bryan College History Museum. Scopes Festival July 18-19. Pumpkin Fest, Oct. 31 - Nov. 1. Christmas at the Courthouse/Horse and Carriage Parade, Dec. 6.

Famous event: 1925 John Scopes trial.

Fun facts: The 1925 downtown speed limit was 12 miles per hour. Independent film "Jesus Fish" was filmed in Dayton.

Famous landmarks: Rhea County Courthouse, Bryan College

Famous residents: Joseph Aloysius Durick, Roman Catholic bishop and civil rights advocate; John Scopes, "Monkey Trial" defendant

"It's a good place to live. Dayton has good people and a good community." - Thomas Solomon, city recorder and lifelong resident

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