John Henry vs. the Mighty Steam Drill: An American Folk Legend

John Henry vs. the Mighty Steam Drill (American Folk Legends)

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Language	:	English
File size	:	15498 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

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The Legend of John Henry

John Henry is one of the most iconic figures in American folklore. A steel-driving man, he is said to have raced against a steam drill in a legendary contest of strength and endurance. According to the legend, John Henry won the race, but died shortly after from exhaustion.

The legend of John Henry is thought to have originated in the late 19th century, during the construction of the Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia. The tunnel was being built by hand, using picks and shovels, but it was a slow and dangerous process. In an effort to speed up the work, the railroad company brought in a steam drill.

John Henry, a renowned steel-driving man, was hired to operate the drill. He was a powerful man, and he quickly proved to be a master of the machine. However, John Henry was also a proud man, and he didn't like the idea of being replaced by a machine.

One day, John Henry challenged the steam drill to a race. The drill was faster than John Henry, but he was more determined. He drove his steel faster and faster, and soon he was ahead of the drill. The crowd cheered as John Henry neared the finish line, but then disaster struck.

Just as John Henry was about to win, the drill struck a pocket of hard rock. The drill jammed, and John Henry was thrown backwards. He landed on his head, and he died instantly.

The Significance of the Legend

The legend of John Henry is a powerful story about the human spirit. It is a story about the struggle between man and machine, and about the importance of perseverance and determination.

John Henry is a symbol of the American worker. He is a man who is proud of his work, and who is willing to stand up for what he believes in. He is a reminder that even in the face of adversity, we can achieve anything if we set our minds to it.

The legend of John Henry has been told and retold for over a century. It has been the subject of songs, poems, and stories. It has also been adapted into films, television shows, and operas.

The legend of John Henry is a powerful reminder of the human spirit. It is a story that will continue to inspire and motivate people for generations to come.

Further Reading

* [The Legend of John Henry](https://www.loc.gov/folklife/talkingfolk/pdf/JhnHry.pdf) by the Library of Congress * [John Henry](https://www.britannica.com/biography/John-Henry) by Encyclopedia Britannica * [John Henry and the Steam Drill](https://www.americanfolklore.net/folklore/2019/05/john-henry-and-the-steam-drill.html) by American Folklore

John Henry vs. the Mighty Steam Drill (American Folk Legends)

4.3 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	15498 KB
Print length	:	32 pages

FREE