John Henry was a Convicted Laborer Worked to Death After His “Sentencing” in 1866

https://virginiahistory.org/learn/steel-drivin-man-john-henry-untold-story-american-legend#:~:text=Folklorists%20have%20long%20thought%20John,work%20building%20the%20C%26O%20Railroad

Most Americans in the Northeast have heard the story of John Henry and how he died outcompeting the steam machine on a railroad crew.

Scott Reynolds Nelson provides critical context in his discovery of the 19 year old historical John Henry. Who was worked to death on the C&O Railroad in the immediate aftermath of the Civil War.