The Legend of John Henry: Folklore and the Lives of African Americans in the Postwar South - U.S.
First Edition ©2019
ISBN:9781319233402
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This document collection examines the folklore that surrounds John Henry to help students better understand the lives of African Americans living in the post-Civil War South. The selections within this collection are messy and multivocal; they can be read many different ways, requiring students to critically evaluate each source. Students are guided through their analysis of the primary sources with an author-provided learning objective, central question, and historical context.
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Table of Contents
Central QuestionLearning Objective
Historical Background
Primary Sources
Natalie Curtis-Burlin, “Hammerin’ Song” in Negro Folk Songs, 1919
Versions of the John Henry Ballad
Burnham Wardwell, Superintendent of the Virginia Penitentiary, Report on Penitentiary Conditions to the Governor, Apr.il 30, 1868
Virginia Penitentiary Report, 1871
“A Rockman’s Work in Tunnel Building,” New York Times, May 5, 1901
Photographs of Convict Laborers, 1890s–1910s
Difficulties Drilling, Letters to H.D. Whitcomb, Chief Engineer of the Chesapeake & Ohio Railroad, 1869 and 1871
Project Questions
Additional Assignments
Authors
Scott Reynolds Nelson
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