Final answer:
John Henry was a heroic figure in American folklore known for racing a steam drill to showcase the strength of human labor over machines.
Step-by-step explanation:
The statement that best summarizes 'John Henry' is B) John Henry was a heroic steel driver who raced against a steam drill to prove human strength. John Henry is a legendary figure in American folklore, often depicted as a powerful and determined steel driver during the construction of railroads. His story represents the struggles of the working class during the era of industrialization, especially in the contest between human labor and emerging technology.