Historical Marker

Grave of John T. Scopes

Historical marker location:
Paducah, Kentucky
( In front of Oak Grove Cem., Park Ave., Paducah)

Here is buried the man who, at age 24, taught Darwin's theory of evolution to a Dayton, Tennessee, biology class. The Paducah native and University of Kentucky graduate violated a Tennessee law forbidding the teaching of evolution. This test case, tried in Dayton, gained international attention. Popular play, Inherit the Wind, is based on the famous Scopes trial.

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Scopes "Monkey Trial" - The July 1925 trial of John T. Scopes had at issue academic freedom, separation of church and state, and reconciling of science and religion. Scopes' defender was Clarence Darrow; his prosecutor, William Jennings Bryan. Scopes was convicted and fined $100. Later worked as geologist in S. America and La. Law he violated was repealed in 1967. Scopes died, 1970

  A brief timeline of the history of the University Of Kentucky

The University of Kentucky, located in Lexington, Kentucky, has a rich history that spans over 150 years. Here is a brief timeline highlighting key moments in the university's development:

  • 1865: The Agricultural and Mechanical College of Kentucky is established as a land-grant institution under the Morrill Act of 1862. The institution's purpose is to provide education in agriculture, mechanical arts, and other practical sciences.

  • 1878: The institution is renamed the State College of Kentucky.

  • 1908: The State College becomes the University of Kentucky, signifying its expanded educational offerings and growing stature.

  • 1942: The university's administration forms an agreement with the United States Navy to establish the Navy's first flight-training program during World War II. This program becomes known as the UK College Training Detachment.

  • 1949: The University of Kentucky integrates its student body, becoming one of the first public universities in the South to do so.

  • 1954: The UK College of Law is desegregated, marking an important step in the university's commitment to racial equality and diversity.

  • 1997: The University of Kentucky establishes the Center for Applied Energy Research, focusing on research and development in the field of energy resources.

  • 2002: The UK HealthCare system is formed, combining the university's hospital, clinics, and medical education programs under one umbrella.

  • 2011: The university inaugurates its 12th president, Dr. Eli Capilouto, who continues to lead the institution's growth and progress.

  • 2012: The UK College of Pharmacy opens the Pharmaceutical Sciences Building, featuring state-of-the-art research and teaching facilities.

  • 2020: The COVID-19 pandemic affects the university, leading to the adoption of remote learning and other measures to ensure the safety of the campus community.

Throughout its history, the University of Kentucky has grown into a prominent research university with a wide range of academic programs and a strong emphasis on athletics, particularly basketball. Today, it continues to serve as a hub of education, innovation, and cultural activity in the Commonwealth of Kentucky.

University of Kentucky
Daniel Boone, a legendary explorer and frontiersman, helped blaze the Wilderness Road, which opened up Kentucky and the West to settlement.
Kentucky random facts
McCracken County, located in the western part of Kentucky, has a rich and diverse history. The area was originally inhabited by Native American tribes, including the Chickasaw and Shawnee, who relied on the abundant natural resources in the region. The first European settlers arrived in the late 18th century and established trading posts along the Ohio River, which played a crucial role in the county's early development.

In the early 19th century, McCracken County grew rapidly due to its strategic location and fertile land. The county was named after a prominent local lawyer and politician, Captain Harrison McCracken, who played a significant role in its early development. The city of Paducah, now the county seat, was officially established in 1830 and quickly became a commercial and transportation hub. The construction of railroads in the mid-19th century further promoted economic growth and attracted businesses and industries to the area.

McCracken County also experienced the challenges and impacts of the Civil War. With its location on the border of the Union and Confederacy, the county was a crucial strategic point. Paducah was occupied by Union troops early in the war and served as a major supply depot. The county also witnessed several skirmishes and played a role in the overall conflict. After the war, McCracken County focused on rebuilding its economy and infrastructure, and agriculture remained a vital industry.

Throughout the 20th century, McCracken County continued to evolve and adapt to changing economic conditions. The county experienced industrial growth with the establishment of manufacturing plants, and Paducah became known as a regional medical, retail, and cultural center. Today, McCracken County remains an important area in western Kentucky, blending its rich history with a vibrant present and a promising future.

This timeline provides a glimpse into the major events and milestones that have shaped the history of McCracken County, Kentucky.

  • 1825: McCracken County is established on January 17.
  • 1836: Paducah, the county seat, is incorporated as a city.
  • 1861-1865: McCracken County experiences significant impact during the American Civil War.
  • 1890: The Illinois Central Railroad Bridge is completed, connecting Paducah with Illinois.
  • 1905: Paducah becomes home to the first municipal airport in Kentucky.
  • 1950s-1970s: McCracken County sees economic growth due to the establishment of chemical and manufacturing plants.
  • 2004: The National Quilt Museum opens in Paducah, promoting cultural tourism in the area.
  • 2019: The Four Rivers Center for the Performing Arts celebrates its 10th anniversary in Paducah.