‘Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered’: Carthage event explores Volunteer State’s WWII history

CARTHAGE, Tenn. (WKRN) — The streets of Carthage turned back time Saturday to an important part of World War II history.

As part of the “Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered” event, re-enactors took to Main Street in the Smith County town on Saturday, May 4 to offer a realistic look at the WWII training exercises that happened across the region.

When America got ready to think about the possibility of entering the war, military leaders were concerned about whether soldiers could handle the terrain, so the U.S. Army sent thousands of troops to Middle Tennessee — where there had been some National Guard camps in the past — to train for an eventual invasion of Europe.

Saturday’s event also featured living history displays, as well as a closer look at life for soldiers and civilians in the 1940s, such as the “Red vs. Blue Battle,” military/period vehicles and weapons, and a commemorative flyover, according to organizers. Attendees were also able to enjoy 1940s entertainment during the main event, which was followed by a “USO-style” dance.

This marked the fourth year for “Tennessee Maneuvers Remembered,” which is sponsored by the Smith County Historical Tourism Society .

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