The Forestry Forum

   If you find yourself traveling through southern WV try to swing by and see the John Henry Memorial Park and read the various placards and such about him. There really was a John Henry and the legend of him beating the steam engine driving steel is supposed to have taken place here when they were digging the Great Bend railroad tunnel at Talcott WV on Highway 12. The tunnel is no longer in use and an adjacent tunnel is now used by the CSX railroad.

 John Henry Days will be held July 13, 14 & 15 with various events and ceremonies. Come on by and spend some time (and money) in Summers Count WV if you get the chance.

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 Statue of John Henry in front of the Great Bend Railroad tunnel where he beat the Steam Engine. According to the information boards at the park his wife is buried in a nearby cemetery and the gravesite is still available for viewing.

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 The actual Great Bend Tunnel of the John Henry legend.