Talcott, West Virginia: The Legendary Steel-Drivin' Man, John Henry, at the Great Bend Tunnel

Talcott, West Virginia: The Legendary Steel-Drivin' Man, John Henry, at the Great Bend Tunnel. The Great Bend Tunnel cuts through the Big Bend Mountain in Summers County, just outside of Hinton. It is home to the legend of John Henry, the Steel-Drivin' Man who defeated a steam drill with just his ras strength and sledgehammer.

Thank you patrons!
Mike Adams Kara Wyatt Rasnake
Jessica Rodrigues Bill Seward
George McNair Jonathan Gartland
Bill Whitworth Garry Manners
Dee Simmons Alban Karen Caddle
Shawn Hannah Andrew Diseker
Brad & Angela Davis Carol Wilder
Michael Genecki Kimberly Carr
Wayne Maynard Brian Serway
Steve Surber Daniel Armstrong
Matthew Coon

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[hanktharipper]

Im Hispanic and I was named after him did a school report for him 💪🏽💪🏽💪🏽god is good

[midnightrider]

Johnny cash and Shane Simmons keeping the story of john Henry alive.

[rodneylemaster]

When I drove a truck that way, the statue was on the hill above the tunnel entrance. 1990's

[mitchevans]

Whether true or made up or the location we all have to appreciate the amount of labor it took to make the railroads through the mountains. As Bo Pilgrim used to say.." It's a mind boggling thing"

[virginiamartin]

Don't know how you find all those hidden treasures but I love them. Thanks. GOD BLESS YOU always

[samcook]

Always trust the folk songs! BTW I remember when the statue was it a wayside up above the tunnel.

[missrita]

Great video. Thank you so much from Red House, West Virginia

[brcisna]

More God's paintings you captured Shane. Beautiful territory there! Hard to imagine hammering through some of thse mountains to simply make a first road through there back in the day. Some time in Youtube search for Reno & Smiley With the Stanely Brothers John Henry. A real good S___ kicker instrumental, , only about one and half minutes long. Don Reno & The Stanley brothers wouldn't be not too far from were your adventures are. Don Reno was BOSS on the ol five string for sure. Thanks again.

[walterlangston]

was there about 2 years ago need to go back

[carolyndavis]

Wow, I had no idea that John Henry was supposed to be from West Virginia. You have really enlightened me on this. The tunnel did look rather creepy but that location does have great potential for a park. Thanks again for the tour and information.

[matthewpadgett]

I am from there, and I am very familiar with the “John Henry” History. We learned about it in school, and yes there is a song as well .

[nancymiller]

I done a lot of research and bought some adult reading books about John Henry. John was from there as best as I could tell. The Statue was moved because some people have no respect for anyone or for History. Some Thugs vandalized the Statue more than once, I think it was with paint or wax. You can probably get the complete story from the local Police.That is why John Henry was moved.

[tygreenwood]

What a cool story behind the great John Henry good on the people of this town where he was from and created his legacy to think enough of him as a man to put up a statue of him!

[debbieepperly]

I remember the song...just didn't realize it was a real person. I noticed another tunnel opening on the other side. Is it still in use today? I noticed it was fenced in away from the statue. Love these stories & the places you visit & bring alive to us. Thank you so much, Shane. God bless.

[sandysmith]

"John Henry had a little woman....and her name was Polly this Ann drove steel like a I first heard this song on my dad's Harry Belefonte's vinyl LP albums. Played his album over and over.

[justinratcliffe]

Had the pleasure of visiting this place in 2014. Had my picture taken with the statue

[arbytv]

I remember going here years ago on a family trip when I was just a little kid. My biggest inspiration for visiting this town was Disney’s John Henry animated short. This place looks a lot different since the last time I was there.

[garycowger]

John Henry did not die He lived a long life He had kids and grandkids look up the Courthouse records

[wvjon]

I wish they would pave through the tunnel and make it a rail trail. That tunnel is 1.2 miles long. That would be the longest rail trail tunnel in WV by far!

[DanielStallings-ykpx]

You can tell when you can turn around and they hug and love you guys you don't see no hate in them and they can sleep but maybe and break bread with them and eat with them at their table and and you feel good and comfortable and you feel like you belong