Tressa Bush is a storyteller at heart. For years, she brought Tennesseans news and feature stories through television and print. Today, she uses that same passion to preserve and share the state’s history.
Bush is the founder of the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), an organization dedicated to keeping Tennessee’s past alive through interactive events and educational programs. Her latest project, Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered, will take place on May 3, 2025, and will give visitors a firsthand look at one of the most significant military training exercises in U.S. history.
Transforming Journalism Skills into Living History Experiences
Tressa Bush built a career telling stories. She started at WBBJ-TV 7 in Jackson, Tennessee, as a news anchor and reporter. Covering breaking news and human-interest stories taught her that the most powerful journalism wasn’t just about facts—it was about people. She continued her career at WCBI-TV 4 in Columbus, Mississippi, and WCYB-TV 5 in Bristol, Virginia, gaining experience across the Southeast. But her heart was always in Middle Tennessee, where she felt most connected to the stories she told.
At Tennessee Crossroads, Bush produced more than 50 feature stories, five of which are among the Top 26 Most Viewed on the show’s YouTube channel. Her storytelling wasn’t just about informing—it was about making people feel connected to their community. She later brought that same passion to the Wilson County Convention and Visitors’ Bureau, where she helped highlight local history and attractions. She led media tours, guiding journalists and influencers through Wilson County’s most compelling sites.
Her work earned her two Tennessee State Press Awards, but Bush wasn’t satisfied just reporting history—she wanted to preserve it. She saw how easily important stories could be forgotten. That’s why she founded the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS). Through events, exhibits, and storytelling, she ensures Tennessee’s past remains a meaningful part of its future.
The Story Behind Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered
Tressa Bush first learned about the Tennessee Maneuvers in 2010 while working as a journalist. She had never heard of these massive military exercises until she was assigned to cover a book signing for In the Presence of Soldiers by Wood McMillin and retired Army Colonel Jerry McFarland. The book detailed how Tennessee became a vital training ground for U.S. troops during World War II.
Curious about the local connection, Bush and her publisher, Scott Winfree, placed a notice in the Carthage Courier, asking residents to share their memories. The response was overwhelming. Veterans and their families came forward with personal stories and artifacts. Some recalled the thunder of tanks rolling through fields, while others remembered soldiers camping in their backyards. The accounts painted a vivid picture of small Tennessee towns transformed into military training grounds.
Between 1941 and 1944, more than 850,000 troops trained in Middle Tennessee as part of the Tennessee Maneuvers. These large-scale simulated battles helped prepare soldiers for real combat. Local communities played a key role, providing land, supplies, and support. Despite its significance, this chapter of history is often forgotten. Bush saw an opportunity to change that.
Now, through the Smith County Historical Tourism Society, she is making sure these stories live on. Events like Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered allow people to step into the past and experience history firsthand. “We’re not just remembering history—we’re bringing it to life,” Bush says.
Immersive WWII Experience Coming to Carthage in 2025
At Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered, visitors won’t just hear about history—they’ll experience it. The event will feature:
- Live military demonstrations showcasing training exercises from the 1940s.
- Expert talks from historians and veterans.
- Interactive exhibits on war rationing, Civil Defense efforts, and life on the homefront.
Families will get to see what life was like during wartime, from the battlefield to the dinner table. Children can learn about the sacrifices made by their great-grandparents, while history buffs can dive into details of military strategies and equipment.
Bush believes history is best learned through experience. That’s why she and SCHTS focus on hands-on education rather than static museum displays.
Tressa Bush isn’t just telling stories—she’s making history come alive. Through the Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS), she has created historical tourism experiences that bring people closer to the past. From living history events to educational programs, Bush helps locals and visitors understand Tennessee’s role in shaping World War II history and beyond.
Her work focuses on the everyday people who made a difference. Farmers who lent their land for military training. Families who adjusted to wartime rationing. Communities that worked together to support the war effort. These stories matter just as much as the big historical events.
“History isn’t just names and dates—it’s people,” Bush says. She believes the best way to learn about the past is to experience it firsthand. That’s why SCHTS doesn’t just present history—it immerses visitors in it.
For years, Bush shared Tennessee’s history through journalism. Now, she’s preserving it in a way that future generations can truly connect with. Her passion for historical preservation ensures that stories from the past remain relevant today.
Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered is more than just an event. It’s an opportunity to step back in time, walk in the footsteps of World War II soldiers, and see history unfold in real life. Whether you’re a history enthusiast, a student, or someone who simply loves a good story, this is an experience you won’t want to miss. Mark your calendar for May 3, 2025, and take part in history.
