Introduction to Dayton, Tennessee
Dayton, Tennessee, in Rhea county, is 35 miles NE of Chattanooga, Tennessee and 109 miles SE of Nashville, Tennessee.
Dayton History
Dayton is the county seat of Rhea County. Dayton was formerly known as Smith’s Crossroads. It was renamed Dayton in 1877 and officially incorporated in 1895. The famous Scopes Monkey Trial took place in Dayton in 1925. In 1890, construction of the Cincinnati-Chattanooga railroad, which ran through Dayton, was completed.
Dayton and nearby Attractions
- Red Clay State Historical Park
- Hiwassee River State Park
- Fall Creek Falls State Park
- Chickamauga and Chattanooga National Military Park
- South Cumberland Recreation Area
- Burgess Falls State Park
Things To Do In Dayton
While in Dayton, one can visit parks like the Swinging Bridge Park, Point Park and the Dayton Municipal Park, which offer multiple opportunities for recreation. Churches in the area include the Mount Zion Baptist Church, the First United Methodist Church and the Grace Bible Church. The city celebrates the Scopes Trial Play & Festival every July and the Tennessee Strawberry Festival every May.
Dayton Transportation
Chatanooga Metropolitan Airport is nearby.
Dayton Higher Education
The local institution of higher education is Bryan College. Others nearby include Cleveland State Community College, Roane State Community College and Lee University.
