Talcott in Summers County, West Virginia — The American South (Appalachia)
Big Bend Tunnel
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 5, 2012
1. Big Bend Tunnel Marker
The great tunnel of the C & O Railroad was started at Big Bend in 1870 and completed three years later. It is more than a mile long, and now has a twin tunnel. Tradition makes this the scene of the steel drivers' ballad, “John Henry.”Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: African Americans • Arts, Letters, Music • Industry & Commerce • Railroads & Streetcars. In addition, it is included in the West Virginia Archives and History series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1870.
Location. 37° 38.934′ N, 80° 46.05′ W. Marker is in Talcott, West Virginia, in Summers County. Marker is on West Virginia Route 3. Marker is 1.2 miles west of Talcott on WV 3. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Talcott WV 24981, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. Here Stood a Statue of John Henry (here, next to this marker); Why The Tunnel Was Built (here, next to this marker); Great Bend Tunnel (a few steps from this marker); The Legend Of John Henry (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct
this page online
Regarding Big Bend Tunnel. John Henry statue is in a park near the entrance of the Big Bend tunnel. The park is .85 miles from the intersection of Barger Springs road and WV 3. To go to the park, go west along the railroad tracks to the entrance of the tunnel. The GPS Coordinates for the statue are 37.6495N 80.7667W
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This link is to the marker for Columbus and Western Railroad tunnel that also claims the legend of John Henry.
Photographed By Craig Doda, May 20, 2018
2. Big Bend Tunnel Marker
Correction to the marker?
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 5, 2012
3. John Henry Statue
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 5, 2012
4. Big Bend Tunnel
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 5, 2012
5. Big Bend Tunnel
Photographed By Don Morfe, August 5, 2012
6. John Henry Station
Credits. This page was last revised on January 23, 2021. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 919 times since then and 146 times this year. Last updated on January 23, 2021, by Bradley Owen of Morgantown, West Virginia. Photos: 1. submitted on September 6, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. 2. submitted on November 6, 2020, by Craig Doda of Napoleon, Ohio. 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on September 6, 2012, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.
