John Henry Historical Park
4.7 (223)
3262 State Hwy 3 and 12, Talcott, WV 24981
(304) 466-7113
johnhenrypark.com
Claimed
Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
Reviews
Reviews are sorted by relevance, with the most helpful and insightful feedback listed first for easy reference.
La Vonne
6 months ago
Really cool. Nicely done with great history lesson. Complete information about John Henry and the railroad. A must see for your children to learn.
Kathy Sexton
11 months ago
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Mikey Kay (Fire & Smoke BBQ Company)
9 months ago
We had a great time learning here. It was truly a really nice place and they did a beautiful job with the park.
QL QL
2 years ago
Much better than expectation. Has very detailed history readings along with audio of music. The tunnel is also interesting. Make sure you speak to it and hear the echo. It is nice to be quiet with no other visitors.
Michelle Blair
8 months ago
Nice and clean. You don't have to walk far to see the information board (with cool audio selections), statue, and tunnel. It might be difficult to push a wheelchair to the tunnel location, though it's not far.
Owen Dabek
4 years ago
This park is very well put together. It was easy to find and clean. I especially enjoyed the information board explaining the history and oral tradition behind the song. There is also an audio explaining that will play three versions of the song. It was also very neat to be able to look into the tunnel that John Henry helped build.
Bridget Afandi
a year ago
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Poor Kevy
2 years ago
This is an excellent place to visit if you're into obscure history. John Henry's story is a full mixture of historical fact and myth.The park is nice. Very nice. The day we visited, it was 80-degrees, hot and humid but standing in front of the tunnel, we felt that constant 55-degree breeze coming from the bowels of the mountains. Be sure to leave a dollar in the collection bucket, which is a big post that's cemented in the ground.
John Hunter
3 years ago
If you are in the area, I recommend you stop and check out the John Henry memorial. The park is nice, though it was not in use at the time of my visit. Their interactive history display is very informative and I really enjoyed the musical options you could choose from, playing different songs about the John Henry legend.The east entrance of Big Bend Tunnel is in the park as well, though it is fenced off now so people can't enter it. It did seem flooded when I was there, so that may be part of the reasoning.Fallout 76 fans will get a kick out of visiting this IRL game site.
Thomas Miglis
10 months ago
Amazing hospitality! Got a personal tour from an expert on the subject. Left inspired!
Lisa Boyce
7 months ago
Another stop Sunday after leaving cousin Wanda's. We stopped in small town of Talcott, WV where there is the Historical John Henry Park and the Great Bend Tunnel.The park is free to enjoy! There is a bathroom, plenty of signage and even a voice recording talking about John Henry!!There is a small Visitors Center, a stage for programs and a Picnic shelter.This is a really nice park!!
Melissa G.
a year ago
Great park, very nice pavilions and information boards. One information board even has audio.
Dick Chambers
2 years ago
Clean little road side park informative signage a great tribute to an amazing west Virginian and an American hero that helped build this country
Robert
5 months ago
Really nice memorial. I enjoyed being there and learning more about the legendary John Henry. The tunnel was pretty scary
Dick Chambers
2 years ago
Very nice tribute to a real American hero a true west Virginian
Amanda Hall
8 months ago
Very Interesting!This Historic Site gives a history lesson about a man named John Henry. A man who worked for the railroad and raced a steam engine.Won the race, then laid down his hammer and died. Sad story really! Plus who ever vandalized the statue is real piece of work!!!
Kevin Tracy
a year ago
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Phillip Dewayne Philippe Caruso Owen
5 years ago
A well maintained park that is worth a visit. The drive to the park was beautiful as well.
Nathan Boone
10 months ago
cool story about determination and never giving up... but in retrospect it's just 2 holes in the side of the mountain that you can't explore. And the train is using the machined side.. So Henry lost in a way.
Amanda Miller
10 months ago
It was a very nice place to visit and learn about the rich history of John Henry, and the other brave people that helped to construct the railroad and tunnels. It's a great place to learn about the history.
Bryan Monaco
3 years ago
A great tribute to a great man. A must stop for those interested in railroad or African American history.
Tammy Sullivan
11 months ago
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Sarah Farrell
3 years ago
Wow! So informative! I had the whole story wrong all my life. Very powerful to stand in front of that tunnel, knowing the history.
Steve Burker
6 years ago
I love the story and history here. But bikers beware this is a finely graveled road....
Tawny Greene
2 years ago
Beautifully kept and taken care of landmark. Thank you!
Pamela Aaron
8 months ago
This place is a hidden gem!
Joyce Webb
a year ago
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Gretchen WV
a year ago
Great history spot. I love short and informative places. Nice little park, but the bathroom needed tending. The board played the song and told the story.
Mike Lambert
9 months ago
John Henry days was great ! Beautiful park
nancy eadie
11 months ago
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