The railroad is one of the defining features of the West Virginia economy and its landscape. The tracks did not just lay themselves, though; they were built with the sweat and often the lives of men. One of these men is John Henry, known as the Steel Drivin’ Man’. Legend says that John Henry was the strongest and hardest working man on the rails. While working with the rest of the crew to build the Big Bend Tunnel through Big Bend Mountain, a traveling salesman came by selling a steam power drill that he claimed could out work any man. John Henry took that challenge and beat the drill in a digging contest. The effort was too much for John Henry however and he collapsed dead after his victory. The legend of John Henry still lives on in the small community of Talcott, where Big Bend Tunnel stands and where John Henry is supposed to have died.
This itinerary takes you through many small towns with local history, folk legends, general stores, historic buildings, an art gallery, and more. You will be following the Greenbrier River and the all-important railroad for most of your journey.