Welcome to the Smith County Historical Tourism Society Blog
Featuring Our Premier Annual Event: Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered
The Smith County Historical Tourism Society (SCHTS) is excited to continue to operate our premier annual event, Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered. This event pays tribute to the significant World War II training exercises that took place right here in Smith County, TN.
In addition to our annual event, we are thrilled to introduce a new self-guided driving tour of Tennessee Maneuvers locations in Smith County. This project, scheduled for launching in the Fall 2024, will offer a deep dive into the rich history of our area.
Explore Our Self-Guided Driving Tour
Our self-guided driving tour features eight key locations where the Tennessee Maneuvers were conducted. At each stop, a two-foot by three-foot Way Side Sign will be erected, providing visitors with:
- Historical photos taken in Smith County during the maneuvers.
- Links to sit-down video interviews with locals who witnessed the maneuvers.
- Access to archival newspaper articles.
- Much more enriching historical content.
The tour stops include:
- Smith County Chamber Office
- Grant Highway
- Near Cordell Hull Bridge
- New Middleton
- Rome Bridge
- Chestnut Mound
- Dixon Springs
- Pleasant Shade
We anticipate launching the tour later this summer, offering an educational and immersive experience for all visitors.
Meet Our Founder: Tressa Bush
Tressa Bush, the founder of Smith County Historical Tourism Society, has been instrumental in preserving and promoting the rich history of Smith County. Tressa’s dedication to historical tourism is evident through her meticulous organization of our annual Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event and her commitment to completing the self-guided driving tour.
Tressa currently serves as the Secretary and Treasurer of SCHTS, managing the organization’s operations and financials with precision. Under her leadership, SCHTS has been approved by the IRS as a 501(c)3 organization, making all donations tax-deductible. We have also met the State of Tennessee’s criteria to solicit donations, ensuring our projects are well-supported.
Support Our Mission
As a non-profit organization, SCHTS relies on the generous support of individuals and organizations passionate about preserving history. Your donations help us maintain and expand our projects, such as the Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered event and the self-guided driving tour. All contributions are tax-deductible, and we deeply appreciate your support.
Join us in celebrating and preserving the rich history of Smith County. Stay tuned for more updates on our projects and upcoming events.
Thank you for being a part of our historical journey!
Warm regards,
The Smith County Historical Tourism Society