Railroad Construction and the Legend of John Henry

Railroad Construction and the Legend of John Henry

Assessment

Interactive Video

History, Science, Geography

5th - 8th Grade

Hard

Created by

Lucas Foster

FREE Resource

In the 1860s, the U.S. expanded rapidly with immigrants and railroads. The Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad faced challenges crossing the Appalachian Mountains, requiring tunnels. Workers, including the legendary John Henry, used manual labor and dynamite to construct these tunnels. John Henry became famous for his strength and skill, competing against a steam drill to prove human labor's superiority. Despite winning, he died from exhaustion, leaving a lasting legacy in railroad history.

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10 questions

Show all answers

1.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the primary goal of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railroad?

To connect New York and Los Angeles

To link the Chesapeake Bay and the Ohio River

To build the longest railroad in the world

To transport coal across the country

2.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was the main challenge faced by the C&O Railroad engineers?

Building bridges over the Grand Canyon

Navigating the Appalachian Mountains

Crossing the Mississippi River

Avoiding Native American territories

3.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

How did railroad workers create holes in the rock for tunnel construction?

Using water pressure techniques

With the help of explosives only

By hand with spikes and hammers

Using advanced drilling machines

4.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was a common pastime for railroad workers during their long workdays?

Having steel-driving contests

Reading books

Fishing in nearby rivers

Playing card games

5.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

Where is John Henry believed to have worked?

The Erie Canal

The Transcontinental Railroad

The Lewis Tunnel in Virginia

The Big Bend Tunnel in West Virginia

6.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What was John Henry known for among railway workers?

Inventing the steam drill

His legendary strength and steel-driving skills

Designing the C&O Railroad

Being the fastest track layer

7.

MULTIPLE CHOICE QUESTION

30 sec • 1 pt

What technological advancement began to replace manual labor in tunnel construction?

Laser cutters

Hydraulic hammers

Steam drills

Electric drills

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