1811 Land is laid off for the town of Washington. Courthouse and jail planned. Stocks and pillory built. New Courthouse is built. 1836 Meigs County created from Rhea.
Flood devastates town of Washington.
Rhea County forms home guard. Tennessee secedes from the Union, and joins the Confederate States of America. 1866 Tennessee re-admitted to the Union. Many Rhea citizens relocate. 1899 County seat moved to Dayton.