Leeds in Jefferson County, Alabama — The American South (East South Central)
John Henry
Legendary ‘Steel Drivin’ Man’
Photographed By Tim Carr, July 12, 2009
1. John Henry Marker
Inscription.
John Henry. Legendary ‘Steel Drivin’ Man’. The story of “steel drivin’ man” John Henry is one of America’s most enduring legends. The strong ex-slave became a folk hero during construction of the Columbus and Western Railroad between Goodwater and Birmingham. He drilled holes for explosives used to blast tunnels. According to legend, he was involved in a race against a steam-powered drill that its manufacturer claimed could do the job faster than a man. Witnesses said after the all-day contest that he and his heavy hammer cleared substantially more feet than the steam drill. Versions of the blues song ‘John Henry’ relate how the powerful man won the contest but died from exhaustion, his “hammah” in his hand. He supposedly was buried nearby. Although other states claim John Henry, noted Georgia folklore researcher John Garst found evidence that the event occurred near Dunnavant on September 20, 1887, at either the Big Oak Tunnel or Coosa Tunnel, two miles apart. , Source: “Historic Birmingham and Jefferson County” By James R. Bennett.
The story of “steel drivin’ man” John Henry is one of America’s most enduring legends. The strong ex-slave became a folk hero during construction of the Columbus & Western Railroad between Goodwater and Birmingham. He drilled holes for explosives used to blast tunnels. According to legend, he was involved in a race against a steam-powered drill that its manufacturer claimed could do the job faster than a man. Witnesses said after the all-day contest that he and his heavy hammer cleared substantially more feet than the steam drill. Versions of the blues song ‘John Henry’ relate how the powerful man won the contest but died from exhaustion, his “hammah” in his hand. He supposedly was buried nearby. Although other states claim John Henry, noted Georgia folklore researcher John Garst found evidence that the event occurred near Dunnavant on September 20, 1887, at either the Big Oak Tunnel or Coosa Tunnel, two miles apart.
Source: “Historic Birmingham & Jefferson County” By James R. Bennett.
32.352′ W. Marker is in Leeds, Alabama, in Jefferson County. Marker is on Thornton Avenue NE, on the right when traveling east. Located in the yard of the old Leeds Depot. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Leeds AL 35094, United States of America. Touch for directions.
More about this marker. Dunnavant is south of Leeds off of Route 25, 5.1 miles from this marker.
The tunnels mentioned on the marker are not accessible to the public. It is an active railroad. Do not trespass.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. This link is to the Big Bend Tunnel marker for the C&O Railroad that also claims John Henry.
Also see . . . 1. The Legend Of John Henry. “ Spencer said that he personally witnessed John Henry’s death. He
described how John Henry fell into a faint near the end of the
all-day contest on September 20, regained consciousness,
By David LaFleur for the U.S. Postal Service, 1996
2. John Henry 32˘ Stamp
said that he
was blind and dying, and asked that his wife be summoned. His wife
came and cradled his head in her lap. He asked, ‘Have I beat that
old steam drill?’ Measurements gave John Henry 27½ feet and the
steam drill 21.” (Submitted on September 11, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama.)
“John Henry” Guitar and Vocals by Big Bill Broonzy
(Submitted on September 21, 2019.)
Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2020. It was originally submitted on September 6, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. This page has been viewed 3,480 times since then and 148 times this year. It was the Marker of the Week September 22, 2019. Photos:1. submitted on September 6, 2009, by Timothy Carr of Birmingham, Alabama. 2. submitted on September 21, 2019, by J. J. Prats of Powell, Ohio. • Kevin W. was the editor who published this page.
Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide shot of the marker and its surroundings •
A photo of the depot • Can you help?
