1. Home
 ›
2. Infrastructure
 ›
3. Railroad Tunnels
 ›
4. Big Bend Tunnel

Great Bend Tunnel: A Historical and Cultural Landmark

Published: February 13, 2025

By: Adam Burns

Nestled amid the rugged Appalachian Mountains of West Virginia lies the Great Bend Tunnel, a significant yet often overlooked piece of American history.

This once vital passageway through the mountains was part of the Chesapeake and Ohio Railway (C&O), crucial for the expansion of the railway network in the United States.

Also referred to as the Big Bend Tunnel, the location serves as the legendary site where John Henry famously triumphed over a steam drill, elevating him to the status of a prominent folk hero.

This historic site is situated approximately 10 miles east of Hinton along the pivotal main line of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railway, today part of CSX Transportation.

Notably, it stands as the longest tunnel within the C&O network, extending a straight length of 6,450 feet and effectively bypassing a seven-mile curvature of the Greenbrier River around Big Bend Mountain.

This article takes an in-depth look at the history of the tunnel, its role in the industrial expansion of the United States, and its cultural importance, underscoring the broader social changes and challenges during its construction era.

The famous memorial to John Henry at Great Bend Tunnel, which is no longer used for rail service. Loyd Lowry photo.

Historical Context

In the latter half of the 19th century, America was in the throes of its Industrial Revolution, with railways forming the backbone of its industrial and economic growth.

The Chesapeake & Ohio, established in 1868, was instrumental in linking the Atlantic seaboard with the Midwest and beyond. This connection facilitated not only the movement of agricultural and industrial goods but also people, fueling America's westward expansion.

The Appalachian region presented significant topographical challenges for the railways, necessitating the construction of multiple tunnels and bridges to enable unobstructed passage.

Among these engineering feats was the Great Bend Tunnel in Summers County, West Virginia, built as part of the C&O's main line through the southern Appalachian Mountains to serve the burgeoning coal industry, which was rapidly becoming a staple of the American economy.

Engineering Marvel

Initiated in February 1870, construction commenced at both tunnel ends and through two substantial intermediate shafts, measuring 365 and 170 feet in depth, which facilitated simultaneous work on six different fronts.

A workforce of about 800 men undertook this daunting three-year endeavor, tasked with cutting through resilient red shale, a material prone to disintegration upon air exposure, thereby precipitating numerous rockfalls and landslides. This perilous task claimed the lives of many workers, including, according to legend, the formidable John Henry, known as the "steel-drivin' man."

Workers had to contend with harsh conditions, limited technology, and the daunting task of carving a passage through the Appalachian earth, which was a formidable adversary due to its varied and rugged terrain.

Upon its completion on September 12, 1872, the tunnel was initially lined with timber. However, persistent rockfalls necessitated a complete brick arch lining, which was finalized by 1893.

A supplementary parallel tunnel was completed in 1932, leading to the closure of the original tunnel in 1974 after 102 years of service. Presently, every train traversing this route continues to journey beneath Big Bend Mountain.

John Henry and Cultural Significance

No discussion of the Great Bend Tunnel is complete without mentioning the legend of John Henry, an African American folk hero said to have competed against a steam-powered rock drilling machine at this very site.

The "Ballad of John Henry" captures this tale of human strength and spirit, embodying the struggle between man and machine during the Industrial Revolution—a pivotal transition period that redefined labor and technological advancement.

John Henry's story is celebrated in various forms of media, immortalized in songs, literature, and cinema, symbolizing the enduring spirit of the human worker amidst the rise of mechanization. While historical records do not confirm the details of John Henry's contest, the legend underscores the cultural and social dynamics at play during the tunnel's construction.

The significance of Mr. Henry as a cultural icon extends beyond folklore; it highlights the contributions of African Americans to America's industrial foundation, often marginalized in historical narratives. The legend of John Henry and the Great Bend Tunnel serves as a poignant reminder of the human cost of industrial progress and the perseverance of those who labored in anonymity.

Technological Transition

The tunnel also represents a transitional period in engineering, marked by the shift from manual labor to mechanized processes. The emergence of steam-powered machinery revolutionized the way infrastructural projects were approached, increasing efficiency but also rendering traditional labor methods obsolete.

This transition, embodied in the legend of John Henry, was not merely a technological shift but a cultural and economic one as well, raising fundamental questions about the future of work, the role of human labor in an increasingly mechanized world, and the value placed on human identity within the labor force.

These questions about technology and employment remain relevant in today's society, where technological advancement continues to disrupt traditional labor markets.

Preservation

Today, the tunnel stands as a testament to American ingenuity and the complex socio-historical landscape of the past century and a half. Preservation efforts have focused on maintaining the tunnel as a historical site, recognizing the need to honor both the engineering accomplishments it represents and the narratives of those who labored to create it.

The site holds potential for educational and cultural tourism, offering visitors insights into a crucial period of American history and the chance to reflect on the themes of industrialization, cultural identity, and labor that are woven into its legacy. Community-driven initiatives aim to keep the story of the Great Bend Tunnel alive, fostering a deeper understanding of its role in shaping both regional and national history.

Legacy

The tunnel, beyond its function as a passageway, represents a confluence of engineering achievement, cultural heritage, and socioeconomic transformation. Its construction was a microcosm of the broader changes sweeping through America during the late 19th century, from technological advancement to shifting labor dynamics.

Moreover, the tunnel's enduring cultural significance, particularly through the story of John Henry, highlights the power of folklore in capturing and preserving the human experiences that underpin historical milestones.

As such, the Great Bend Tunnel remains an essential chapter in the narrative of America's industrial evolution, a reminder of the resilience of the human spirit in the face of progress and a beacon for future reflections on technological and cultural change.