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This project assessed phylogenetic relationships within the Class Anthozon (Cnidaria) using 185 rDNA sequences from 71 taxa, including museum specimens, providing the most thorough taxonomic sampling to date. Morphological taxonomists disagree over the evolutionary relationships within the Anthozoa. Sequence information and relevant evolutionary models were used to address subclass- and ordinal-level divisions within the Anthozoa. Nuclear 18S sequence information did not support some of the traditional classifications within the Anthozon. Members of the Subclass Ceriantipatharia were genetically disparate, and phylogenetic divisions within the Anthozoa resembled the previous two-subclass system. The orders within the Hexacorallia constituted monophyletic groups with the exception of the Corallimorpharia, which were closely associated with the Scleractinia. The morphological characters of mesentery and tentacle structure were reflected in genetic structure of the Anthozoa. The morphological characters of skeletal structure and colony morphology were not evident in the phylogenetic divisions of the Octocorallia. The current orders and suborders were not monophyletic entities. Colony dimorphism corresponded loosely with genetic divisions within the Octocorallia. Half of the octocoral species included in this study formed a large, undifferentiated group, suggesting that a rapid radiation occurred. This project provides valuable insight into the evolution and diversity of these important organisms.