The legend of John Henry, a steel-driving man who raced against a steam drill and won, is a powerful tale in American folklore. His story, rooted in the arduous labor of railroad tunnel construction in the 1870s, embodies themes of human strength, determination, and the struggle against the encroaching mechanization of work.
The Grueling Work of Tunnel Construction in the 1870s
Building tunnels through mountains in the 1870s was an incredibly demanding and time-consuming undertaking. Workers, often known as “steel drivers,” faced dangerous conditions and backbreaking labor. The process began with drilling holes deep into solid rock formations. This wasn’t done with power tools, but with hand drills and hammers. One worker, the “shaker,” would hold the drill and rotate it slightly after each hammer blow, while also shaking it to clear rock dust from the hole. Another worker, the “steel driver,” would swing a heavy hammer with immense force and frequency, pounding the drill further into the rock.
Once holes were drilled to a sufficient depth, they were filled with black powder and blasted. These controlled explosions broke the rock into smaller, manageable pieces that could then be removed from the tunnel. This cycle of drilling, blasting, and removal was repeated tirelessly, inch by inch, as the tunnel slowly progressed through the mountain.
John Henry: A Steel Driver’s Strength and Legend
Amidst this grueling environment emerged the figure of John Henry. He was renowned among railroad workers as an exceptionally strong, fast, and powerful steel driver. His reputation for sheer physical prowess preceded him, making him a standout even in this world of hard labor.
The narrative takes a pivotal turn with the introduction of new technology: the steam drill. Railroad companies, seeking to accelerate tunnel construction, brought in these machines, boasting they could out-perform any man. The stage was set for a dramatic confrontation – man against machine.
Man Versus Machine: The Legendary Race
The challenge was laid down: John Henry would compete against the steam drill to prove the enduring capability of human labor. It was a symbolic battle, representing the anxieties of the era surrounding industrialization and the fear of machines replacing human workers. John Henry accepted the challenge, determined to demonstrate that a man, specifically a black worker in a racially charged time, could surpass the efficiency of this new machine.
Legend recounts that John Henry wielded not one, but two 10-pound hammers, one in each hand. With incredible speed and force, he hammered the drills into the rock face. He drove the steel with such relentless power that he reportedly drilled an astounding 14 feet into the rock within the allotted time. The steam drill, in contrast, is said to have only managed to drill nine feet. John Henry had won the contest, proving the superior strength and endurance of the steel-driving man. However, this victory came at a great cost. Exhausted from the superhuman effort, the legend states that John Henry died shortly after his triumph.
Immortalized in Ballad and Legend: The Ballad of John Henry
The story of John Henry didn’t end with his death. It transitioned into legend, most famously through “The Ballad of John Henry.” This folk song, passed down through generations, cemented his place in American folklore and ensured his story would continue to be told.
The ballad recounts the key elements of his life and legend: his birth with a “hammer in his hand,” his work as a steel driver on the Great Bend Tunnel (also known as the Big Bend Tunnel or possibly conflated with Crozet Tunnel in some tellings), and his epic race against the steam drill. The song captures his defiant promise: “If I can’t beat this steam drill down, I’ll die with this hammer in my hand!” This line encapsulates the spirit of his challenge and his unwavering commitment.
The Great Bend Tunnel’s Legacy and John Henry’s Enduring Fame
Completed on September 12, 1872, the Great Bend Tunnel served as a vital part of the railroad network until 1974. While the tunnel itself is a testament to the engineering and labor of the time, it is the legend of John Henry that truly endures. He became a powerful folk hero, symbolizing human strength, perseverance in the face of adversity, and the dignity of labor. His story resonates even today, reminding us of the human cost of progress and the timeless spirit of competition and determination.
Sources:
Turner, Charles W., et al. Chessie’s Road. Alderson: C&O Historical Society, 1986.
Dixon, Thomas W. Jr. Chesapeake & Ohio Alleghany Subdivision. Alderson: C&O Historical Society, 1985.
Lane, Ron “Great Bend Tunnel.” e-WV: The West Virginia Encyclopedia. 13 February 2012. Web. 20 July 2016.
Hampel, Carlene, The Man – Facts, Fiction and Themes, 1998.
