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Events bring people together. They create shared memories, strengthen relationships, and build community pride. Whether a small gathering or a large-scale festival, events connect people in a way that nothing else can.

Tressa Bush understands this power. She has spent years organizing and promoting events celebrating history, culture, and community. As the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), she has made it her mission to preserve the past while creating meaningful experiences for the present. 

One of her most exciting projects is Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered, a living history event set for May 3, 2025. This event will take visitors back to 1941-1944 when over 850,000 troops trained in Tennessee to prepare for World War II.

Tennessee Goes Back to the 1940s

Most people learn about history from books, movies, or museum exhibits. They read about famous battles, see black-and-white photos of soldiers, or watch documentaries about World War II. But reading and watching are not the same as experiencing. Seeing history in action makes it feel real in a way that words on a page cannot.

That’s what makes Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered so unique. Visitors won’t just hear stories about the soldiers who trained in Tennessee. They’ll see them. They’ll watch reenactors in full World War II uniforms, marching, drilling, and performing field training exercises just like real troops did in the early 1940s.

Beyond the action, visitors will hear the sounds of the era. Military bands and period music will fill the air, just as they did during wartime morale events. The sharp calls of drill sergeants, the rhythmic marching of boots on the ground, and the hum of historic military vehicles will transport people back to the 1940s. 

These sights and sounds create an immersive experience, making it easy to imagine what life was like for the men and women who trained for war in Tennessee.

The Social Impact of Events Like This

Tressa Bush understands that events do more than entertain. They build connections and strengthen communities.

When people come together for an event like Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered, they do more than learn about history. They meet veterans, hear personal stories, and form new friendships.

For older generations, it’s a chance to share their experiences and make sure their history isn’t forgotten. For younger generations, it’s an opportunity to learn in an engaging way, rather than just reading about it in a book.

Local businesses also benefit. Hotels, restaurants, and shops in Carthage see increased visitors, boosting the economy.

Most importantly, events like this preserve history. They keep important stories alive and ensure that Tennessee’s role in World War II is remembered.

Why Tennessee Was Chosen for Military Training

During World War II, the U.S. Army needed a large, diverse landscape to prepare troops for battle. Middle Tennessee was the perfect location.

There were already military facilities in the state. Camp Forrest in Tullahoma and Camp Campbell near Clarksville (which later became Fort Campbell) provided a strong foundation. These bases could be expanded to accommodate more troops, and they were.

Tennessee’s mild climate was another advantage. Training in harsh northern winters would have been difficult. The military wanted conditions that mimicked those troops would face in Europe, and Tennessee’s varied weather provided that.

The state also had strong transportation networks. Soldiers, vehicles, and supplies needed to be moved efficiently. Tennessee had airports, railroads, and a system of paved roads that made large-scale maneuvers possible.

Tressa Bush explains, "Everything needed to go to war had to be brought to Middle Tennessee. Those vehicles and supplies were not just sitting around in a bunch of warehouses down the road. They were stored in the local fairgrounds and speedway"

The Tennessee Maneuvers were some of the largest military training exercises in U.S. history. They helped prepare troops for real combat situations, simulating everything from battle strategies to logistics.

The Lasting Impact of Tennessee Maneuvers

The Tennessee Maneuvers were a critical part of America’s preparation for World War II.

Between 1941 and 1944, the state of Tennessee became a vast military training ground, helping soldiers prepare for the realities of war. More than 850,000 troops—young men from across the country—took part in these exercises, testing their endurance, leadership, and adaptability under extreme conditions.

These maneuvers were not simple drills. Soldiers had to navigate thick forests, cross rivers, and survive unpredictable weather while carrying heavy gear. They learned how to work together under pressure, respond to surprise attacks, and communicate in difficult situations. It was a full-scale rehearsal for the kind of combat they would soon face in Europe and the Pacific.

For many of these soldiers, Tennessee was the last place they trained before being sent overseas. Some went on to fight in major battles like D-Day, the Battle of the Bulge, and the Pacific Island campaigns. Their time in Tennessee shaped their ability to endure the hardships of war and gave them the skills they needed to survive.

How did Tressa Bush become interested in the Tennessee Maneuvers?

Tressa Bush didn’t grow up hearing about the Tennessee Maneuvers. Her first introduction to them came in 2010 when she worked as a journalist.

"The first time I heard about these large-scale simulated combat training exercises was in 2010. At the time, I was writing a full-page feature article for my hometown newspaper, the Carthage Courier. It was titled: Visions of Smith County."

That spring, the newspaper’s publisher, Scott Winfree, asked her to cover a meet-and-greet/book signing for the book In the Presence of Soldiers – The 2nd Army Maneuvers & Other World War II Activity in Tennessee. The book, written by Wood McMillin with the help of retired Army Colonel Jerry McFarland, documented Tennessee’s crucial role in World War II training.

Before the event, Tressa and Scott placed a notice in the newspaper. They asked local residents who had witnessed the maneuvers or had artifacts to contact them. The response was overwhelming.

Veterans and their families shared personal stories, donated items. They provided firsthand accounts of how their towns were transformed during training. Some remembered convoys of tanks rolling down dirt roads. Others recalled soldiers camping in their fields.

This event sparked Tressa’s deep interest in the Tennessee Maneuvers. She saw an opportunity to preserve these memories and turn history into an experience.

Looking Forward

As May 3, 2025 approaches, excitement is building for the Smith County Historical Tourism Society. This event will be a milestone, not just for history lovers but for the entire community. It will be a day of learning, honoring, and coming together.

For Tressa Bush, it’s another step in a mission to make history accessible and engaging. Through her work, she proves that events can do more than entertain. They can educate, inspire, and unite communities in meaningful ways.

When people leave this event, they won’t just take home souvenirs or photos. They’ll carry a deeper understanding of the past, a greater appreciation for those who served, and a stronger connection to their community.

That’s the power of bringing people together.