The Rhea County Courthouse, built in 1891 in the Romanesque Revival-Italian Villa style, was the site of the 1925 Scopes Evolution Trial, considered one of the most significant trials of the 20th century. The trial featured a contest of issues argued by some of the most famous lawyers in America, including creation versus evolution, science versus religion, majority versus minority rights, and the role of parent and government in education. The courthouse was designated a National Historic Landmark in 1976 and was restored at the completion of the Scopes Trial Museum in 1978.