The Tennessee Maneuvers, a series of field training exercises held by the U.S. Army during World War II, are an integral part of Middle Tennessee’s history. Between 1941 and 1944, more than 850,000 soldiers trained here in preparation for combat. Today, the legacy of these maneuvers is preserved by dedicated individuals like Tressa Bush.
Tressa is the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), which hosts the annual Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event. This event provides an immersive experience for visitors to learn about the Tennessee Maneuvers and their significance. The next event is scheduled for May 3, 2025, in Chestnut Mound, Tennessee, where history will come to life.
The Importance of Thorough Research
Reenactments require accurate research. Every detail—from uniforms to equipment—matters. Tressa and her team collaborate with historians and military experts to ensure the event’s accuracy. This research guarantees that visitors are not only entertained but also educated.
“The research is the foundation of everything,” says Tressa. “We want people to understand what happened here and why it was important. It’s about telling the story in the most authentic way possible.”
Balancing Accuracy and Accessibility
While historical accuracy is essential, Tressa also focuses on making the event accessible. “We want to engage people of all ages and backgrounds,” she explains. “Not everyone knows about the Tennessee Maneuvers, so we provide context to help everyone understand.”
To achieve this, the SCHTS combines authenticity with engaging educational activities. Visitors can enjoy mock drills, living history displays, and opportunities to interact with reenactors. These experiences make learning fun and memorable.
The Layout of the Event
The event layout is carefully planned to ensure both reenactors and visitors have a great experience. Staging areas are set up for different military scenarios, and safety zones are designated for spectators. The arrangement allows for a realistic reenactment while keeping the audience safe and comfortable.
“We try to create a space that feels like you’re stepping into history,” Tressa says. “But we also have to think about logistics—seating, parking, and ensuring everyone has a great view.”
Ensuring Historical Accuracy in Costumes and Props
One of the highlights of the event is the authentic costumes and props. Tressa and her team work hard to source or recreate every detail. From WWII Jeeps to soldiers in full gear, the props are as close to the original as possible.
“It’s amazing to see people’s reactions when they see a real WWII Jeep or a soldier in full gear,” Tressa says. “We’ve even had veterans who trained here attend, and they say it’s like stepping back in time.”
Creating an Immersive Experience
The Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event is more than just reenactments. It’s a living history experience. Visitors can engage with reenactors, ask questions, and participate in activities. The goal is for visitors to feel like they’re part of the story, not just observers.
“It’s not just about watching—it’s about experiencing it,” Tressa explains. The event features historians and experts who provide context and explain the significance of the Tennessee Maneuvers. Reenactors also host Q&A sessions to deepen visitors’ understanding.
Promotion and Marketing
Tressa’s background in marketing and journalism has been instrumental in the success of the SCHTS and the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event. She has a long career in media, which began as a reporter and morning anchor at WBBJ-TV 7 in Jackson, TN. Tressa later worked for other TV stations, including WCBI-TV in Mississippi and WCTB-TV in Tennessee, where she was known for her storytelling skills.
Tressa’s transition to marketing began when she joined Wilson County Television. There, she produced content and created original programming like Walking Through Wilson and Talkin’ With Tatum. Her work not only showcased local news but also bridged the gap between local government and the public.
As a part of the Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, Tressa played a key role in promoting the area’s tourism. She produced promotional materials and video content to highlight local historical and cultural landmarks.
Her entrepreneurial spirit led her to launch Misspelled Productions and Media, a company that specializes in video production, photography, and editing. Through this venture, Tressa has helped businesses and organizations create compelling content that resonates with their target audience. Her expertise in marketing has been crucial in promoting the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event.
“We want to share the story of the Tennessee Maneuvers with as many people as possible,” Tressa says. Her skills in journalism and media production have helped her bring attention to the event, using social media and local media outlets to increase visibility.
Benefits for the Local Community
The Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event offers more than just an educational experience; it also benefits the local community. The event draws visitors from all over the country, boosting the local economy and raising awareness about the history of Middle Tennessee.
“The community really gets behind the event,” Tressa says. “Local businesses, volunteers, and residents all contribute to making it a success. It’s a chance for people to learn about their own history while supporting the local economy.”
The Homefront Living History Experience
The Homefront Living History display at the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event offers visitors a chance to step into the everyday life of civilians during World War II. This immersive experience highlights the resourcefulness and resilience of those who supported the war effort on the home front.
One of the standout features is the 1940s kitchen setup, complete with authentic appliances like a stove, refrigerator, sink, Hoosier cabinet, and period-appropriate tables and chairs. Visitors can get a glimpse into the practical and modest kitchens of the time. As part of the experience, guests can watch reenactors bake War Cakes, a popular dessert during the Maneuvers when sugar was rationed. These cakes were made using limited ingredients but were a sweet and comforting treat for families during tough times.
Throughout the day, a reenactor will be in the kitchen discussing the challenges of food rationing. She’ll talk about food rationing stamps, how people conserved resources, and the creative ways they made do with limited supplies. For example, families would salvage metal and steel from farms and turn it in to support the war effort. Tin cans, which were in high demand for recycling, would also be collected and repurposed for various uses.
The Homefront experience also features Civilian Defense reenactors. One of the ladies will showcase cosmetics and clothing from the war era, giving visitors a sense of what it was like to dress and present oneself during wartime. This allows for a more personal connection to the era, showing how civilians balanced style with practicality during challenging times.
For those interested in rural life, the “Back Porch” area recreates a 1940s farmhouse environment. Here, visitors will see old washing machines, large wash pans, and other items that were once common in households. This section provides a fascinating look at how people managed everyday tasks without the modern conveniences we often take for granted.
A significant part of the Homefront Living History display is the Victory Garden, a garden dedicated to growing food to support the war effort. Visitors can see the plants actually in the ground, bringing this piece of history to life. Kids of all ages are encouraged to learn about the importance of growing their own food during the war and can even take home a seed packet to start their own Victory Garden at home. This educational opportunity connects people to the resourcefulness that helped sustain the nation during WWII.
Conclusion
As the 2025 event approaches, there’s no better time to visit Chestnut Mound, Tennessee, and experience this incredible piece of history. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a local, or someone looking for a unique experience, the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event offers something for everyone.
Tressa Bush and the Smith County Historical Tourism Society are excited to welcome visitors and share the history of the Tennessee Maneuvers. Join them on May 3, 2025, for a day of history, education, and unforgettable experiences.
To learn more about Tressa Bush, you can visit her personal website.
To attend the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event, visit their Facebook page for additional details.
