John Henry Park

John Henry Park John Henry Park He proudly fought and won the epic battle, only to die in victory with his hammer in his hand.

John Henry is a beloved folk hero for having raced against a steam powered drill to prove worth of using the crew of men rather than machine and to hopefully, preserve the rail workers’ jobs. His legend is a reminder that America and all of its successes and advancements were built by everyday heroes like John Henry. The location of the epic contest between man and machine took place at the Great

Bend Tunnel in Talcott, WV. This site is the future home of the John Henry Historical Park. Once constructed, the park will celebrate the legend of John Henry by offering various educational interpretations of John Henry’s battle with the steam drill and the local railroad history. In addition to the educational components, the park will also offer desperately needed outdoor recreational amenities for the local community year round including walking trails, picnic shelters and an amphitheater.

The park experienced some severe stormwater damage when a culvert underneath Rt 3 and 12 got stopped up by four illegall...
10/22/2020

The park experienced some severe stormwater damage when a culvert underneath Rt 3 and 12 got stopped up by four illegally dumped tires several weeks ago. The result was that four points along the statue/tunnel access road were washed out. The decision to limit park access to foot traffic only was made in the interest of our visitors' safety. Fortunately, the access road will be reopened to vehicular traffic on Friday, October 23rd thanks to funding provided by the Summers County Commission and donations by various businesses. Local contractors Sam Crook, Hank Keatley, and Brett Witten have all been involved in repairing the damage!!!

07/30/2018

The John Henry Historical Park steering committee appreciates everyone viewing this website. However, please be advised that a recently organized committee is working on both a new park brochure and website. We hope that they will be in visitors' centers and on-line respectively before the end of this year. We appreciate your patience until then!

02/13/2013

Bill Dillon will be giving his presentation on John Henry's legendary battle with a steam drill during construction of the Great Bend Tunnel at Carnegie Hall in Lewisburg on Thursday, February 14th from 2:00 till 3:00 p.m.

06/13/2012

A crowd of approximately 40 children and adults were present on June 13, 2012 when the refurbished John Henry statue was set in place on its new pedestal near the Great Bend Tunnel in Talcott. Congressman Nick J. Rahall III was among those present for this historic day in the development of the John Henry Historical Park (JHHP). Speaking to members of the park's steering committee, Rahall pledged to continue his support of the park's development and promised to seek federal funding to help complete the park. Park planners used the opportunity to thank everyone that has contributed to the park's development for their contributions and patience throughout the planning, fund raising, design, and construction processes leading to today's event. Anyone interested in learning more about the John Henry Historical Park or contributing to its development can contact JHHP Marketing Director Arietta DuPre at 304-832-6317 or by email to [email protected].

04/25/2012

Address

WV Rt 3 & Judson Road
Talcott, WV
24981

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