John Henry

John Henry is a symbol of:

• Technological advancements

• Strength and perseverance

• Industrial revolution inventors

• Intelligence and passion

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What aspect of John Henry’s story is widely debated?

• His ability to use machines

• His actual existence and historical accuracy

• The name of the railroad he worked on

• His birthplace in New York

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According to researcher Scott Reynolds Nelson, who was the real John Henry?

• A freed slave from Alabama

• A steelworker from West Virginia

• A man from New Jersey who died from scoliosis

• A construction worker from Georgia

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Why is John Henry seen as a hero for the African-American community and the working class?

• He invented new railroad technology

• He showed resilience and defeated a machine in a contest

• He led a labor union against railroad companies

• He became the first African-American engineer

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What is the reason John Henry died?

• He was crushed by falling rocks

• He was unable to adapt to new technology

• He died from exhaustion after beating a steel-drilling machine

• He was poisoned by his coworkers

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John Henry’s story has remained unchanged throughout history.

• True

• False

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Some folktales claim John Henry was from either West Virginia or Alabama.

• True

• False

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John Henry's legacy is only found in literature and has no modern adaptations.

• True

• False

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John Henry’s story represents the struggle of workers against an uncaring industrial world.

• True

• False

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What was the significance of James Daugherty’s 1945 illustration of John Henry?

• It reimagined John Henry as a defense worker alongside other famous African-Americans like Joe Louis and George Washington Carver.

• It depicted John Henry as an inventor who created the first steam-powered drill.

• It showed John Henry as a wealthy businessman who benefited from industrialization.

• It portrayed John Henry as a fictional character with no connection to African-American history.

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