John Henry Memorial

 

Hinton, West Virginia

"1972, on the 100th anniversary of the opening of the tunnel and the birth of the John Henry legend. The opening ceremony included the grand entrance of the John Henry statue through the Great Bend Tunnel on a special train."

"primary contractor Capt. William R. Johnson who was educated as a civil engineer was served in that capacity in a Confederate regiment during the Civil War. He employed 800 - 1,000 workers were either African-American newly freed from enslavement, Irish immigrants, and other nationalities. Once completed, the tunnel was 6,450 feet in length with a slight curve at the east end due to an engineering error."   

I recall singing this song as a kid ... do you? What fun to see this history and learn a thing or 2. Do you know the Johnny Cash song ... please look up "The Legend of John Henry's Hammer (Live In Las Vegas, 1979)" ... I was not familiar with it ...but after seeing this bit here on the info boards I had to look it up asap!!! I was always a fan of Johnny ...were you? Sure is amazing what those men did ... amazing work to think they did it all by hand. Just mind blowing to me ...can not imagine. Seen in late August 2024. Have a great day. Thank you so kindly for stopping in to see me. Laters. Beth ( ;