The 'John Henry Story' is about a strong African - American railroad worker. John Henry was known for his great strength. He had a contest with a steam - powered drill to prove that a man could work as hard as the new technology. In the end, he won the contest but died from exhaustion. It's a story that shows the strength and pride of the working man, as well as the changing times with the introduction of new machinery.
Well, the 'John Henry Story' is a well - known American folktale. John Henry was a steel - driving man in the railroad construction days. The story goes that he was faced with the threat of being replaced by a steam - powered drill. Instead of just accepting it, he decided to compete with it. He worked furiously, his hammers hitting the rocks over and over. His physical strength was amazing. But the competition was tough, and although he beat the steam drill in terms of progress, the toll on his body was too much. He collapsed and died, leaving behind a story that represents the power of human will and the struggle between man and machine.