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John Henry symbolized the working man fighting to keep his job in spite of machines invented during the Industrial Revolution. Although records are unclear, Henry probably worked as a "steel driver, " drilling holes into rock so explosives could be placed to blast railroad tunnels through mountains. His legendary race with the newly developed steam drill made its way into songs and tales. hide information

John Henry symbolized the working man fighting to keep his job in spite of machines invented during the Industrial Revolution. Although records are unclear, Henry probably worked as a "steel driver, " drilling holes into rock so explosives could be placed to blast railroad tunnels through mountains. His legendary race with the newly developed steam drill made its way into songs and tales. This stamp was issued by the United States Postal Service on July 11, 1996 as part of the Folk Heroes Issue series .