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There may or may not have been a real John Henry, but his legend lives on in this song, which has taken on many forms over the years. The tunnel is real, and a statue depicting John Henry stands on the site. His ghost is rumored to haunt the tunnel.
Jan 1, 2006 · The ballad "John Henry" is the most recorded folk song in American history and John Henry--the mighty railroad man who could blast through rock faster than a steam drill--is a towering figure in our culture. But for over a century, no one knew who the original John Henry was--or even if there was a real John Henry.
Dec 26, 2007 · When the railroad threatens to replace workers with a steam-powered hammer, John Henry bets that he can drive the beams into the ground faster than the machine. He wins the contest, but dies in the effort. Nelson’s vibrant text, combined with archival images, brings a new perspective and focus to the life and times of this American legend.
Jun 21, 2022 · The Site. The John Henry statue was lovingly restored and moved to new location in June 2012. John Henry now stands west of town, on the south side of Hwy 12/Hwy 3, in John Henry Historical Park. The statue is down near the entrance to the Big Bend railroad tunnel in Talcott, WV. At this new location the tradition continues as the celebration ...
Information about John Henry. - Researchers believe that John Henry was born a slave in the. 1840's or 1850's. It is important to remember that no one. knows for sure if John Henry existed. That is one of the things. that makes the legend so intriguing. - According to the legend he grew to stand 6 feet tall, 200 pounds - a giant in that day.
to their bosses. Nelson's Henry topples the Bunyanesque, individualistic, macho Henry, replacing him with a memory of a short abused laborer whose song originated in a tale of power and death in a tunnel. The real John Henry, he assures his readers, would join his fellow workers in instructing us all to "slow down."