Dayton in Rhea County, Tennessee — The American South (East South Central)

William Jennings Bryan

Photographed By R. E. Smith, November 8, 2007

1. William Jennings Bryan

Inscription. Click to hear the inscription.

(Marker front): William Jennings Bryan
1860 - 1925
Presidential Nominee
Secretary of State
Congressman
Christian Statesman
Author and Orator
(On the statue's proper left): "Destiny is not a matter of chance; it is a matter of choice; it is not a thing to be waited for, it is a thing to be achieved."
America's Mission 1899
(On the statue's proper right): "The humblest citizen in all the land, when clad in the armor of a righteous cause, is stronger than all the hosts of error."
The Cross of Gold 1896

Erected 2005 by Friends of Bryan College.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Arts, Letters, Music • Churches & Religion • Communications. A significant historical year for this entry is 1860.

Location. 35° 29.695′ N, 85° 0.761′ W. Marker is in Dayton, Tennessee, in Rhea County. Marker is on N. Market Street (Tennessee Route 27) near 3rd Avenue (Tennessee Route 30), on the left when traveling north

William Jennings Bryan - Front image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, November 8, 2007

2. William Jennings Bryan - Front

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. Marker is on the grounds of the "Old" Rhea County Courthouse near the south east entrance of the building. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Dayton TN 37321, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Rhea County Veteran's Memorial (within shouting distance of this marker); Rhea County Courthouse (within shouting distance of this marker); The Scopes Trial (within shouting distance of this marker); McKenzie Law Office (about 400 feet away, measured in a direct line); John Morgan Furniture (about 400 feet away); W.C. Bailey Boardinghouse (about 600 feet away); Bailey Hardware (about 700 feet away); F.E. Robinson's Drug Store, Aqua Hotel, Cumberland Presbyterian Church (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Dayton.

More about this marker. On the front of the block underneath the statue's proper left hand is inscribed, "Truth and Eloquence, 1891". On the back of this block is inscribed "Rhea County Court House 1891".

William Jennings Bryan - Right image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, November 8, 2007

3. William Jennings Bryan - Right

William Jennings Bryan - Back image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, November 8, 2007

4. William Jennings Bryan - Back

William Jennings Bryan - Left image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith, November 8, 2007

5. William Jennings Bryan - Left

Rhea County Courthouse image. Click for full size.

Photographed By R. E. Smith

6. Rhea County Courthouse

The Courthouse was the site of the the Scopes Trial, during which William Jennings Bryan assisted the prosecution. See the nearby marker for links and additional information. The William Jennings Bryan Marker can be seen to the right.

William Jennings Bryan Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Lee Hattabaugh, April 8, 2012

7. William Jennings Bryan Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on December 17, 2019. It was originally submitted on December 8, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. This page has been viewed 1,106 times since then and 16 times this year. Last updated on April 9, 2012, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on December 8, 2007, by R. E. Smith of Nashville, Tennessee. 7. submitted on April 9, 2012, by Lee Hattabaugh of Capshaw, Alabama. • Craig Swain was the editor who published this page.