Many know the legend but few have ever truly known the man. His name is synonymous with strength. He is the embodiment of the American spirit. He is John Henry, the steel driving man. Despite having only ever known life as a slave in the Civil War South, John is a gentle giant of a man. When Polly Ann is bought at auction and brought to the plantation, John is instantly drawn to her stubborn, rebellious side as much as her angelic voice and beauty. John is emboldened and invigorated by his forbidden night forays with Polly, their temporary escape from their permanently cruel and brutal existence. Motivated by his love for her and a vow to raise their children as 'free', an escape attempt is set in motion--with shattering results. Now, John must endure the many faces of death--from dehydration and starvation to lynching--to find Polly again. Aided by conductors on the Underground Railroad, John and Polly reunite only to realize their freedom is contingent upon the color of their skin when John is falsely accused of a crime and lands in a prison chain gang building America's railroads. Finding himself once again separated from Polly Ann, John is promised his freedom and the chance to be with her again by accepting a challenge: beat the new steam drill in a race of strength and endurance... or die trying.