List of Union Pacific Railroad civil engineers 1863 to 1869 facts for kids

Andrew J. Russell photograph of some of the civil engineers who worked on the Union Pacific (1863-1869). Sixteen men are standing in the photograph. The man standing on the left was one of several railroad contractors who built the road, General "Jack" Casement

The Union Pacific Railroad was a huge project in the 1860s. It was one of the first parts of the Transcontinental Railroad. This amazing railway connected the eastern and western parts of the United States. It ran from Council Bluffs, Iowa to Promontory Summit, Utah.

Building such a long railroad across mountains and plains was a massive challenge. It needed many skilled people. This article is about some of the important civil engineers who worked on this project. They helped build the railroad from 1863 to 1869.

Building the Transcontinental Railroad

Imagine building a railroad across thousands of miles of wild land! That's what these engineers did. They had to survey the land, design bridges, and plan the tracks. It was a tough job. They faced harsh weather, difficult terrain, and sometimes even attacks.

The Union Pacific Railroad was a key part of connecting America. It made travel and trade much faster. It helped people move west and develop new towns. The engineers were the brains behind this incredible achievement.

Who Were These Engineers?

Civil engineers are people who design and build things. They work on roads, bridges, buildings, and, in this case, railroads. The engineers on the Union Pacific project had many different roles. Some surveyed the land to find the best path. Others designed bridges or planned where towns would be.

They started working on the railroad on December 1, 1863. The final tracks were laid on May 10, 1869. This was a huge moment in American history.

Key People and Their Jobs

Many talented engineers contributed to the Union Pacific Railroad. Here are some of the most important ones:

Grenville Mellen Dodge: The Chief Engineer

Grenville Mellen Dodge (1831-1916) was the main leader of the engineering team. He was the Chief Engineer for the Union Pacific Railroad from 1866 to 1870. Dodge had been a general in the Civil War. His experience helped him lead this huge project. He was responsible for finding the best route for the tracks. He also oversaw all the other engineers.

Hezekiah Bissell: Bridge Builder

Hezekiah Bissell (1835-1928) was a civil engineer who worked on the railroad from 1864 to 1869. He was involved in building the famous Dale Creek Crossing. This was a very tall and long wooden bridge. It was built over a deep canyon. Bissell made important decisions to make sure the bridge was strong. He decided to use ropes and chains to hold it steady against strong winds.

Peter A. Dey: Early Planner

Peter A. Dey (1825-1911) was one of the first engineers on the project. He was in charge of the early surveys. This meant he explored the land to find the best possible path for the railroad. His work in 1863 and 1864 was crucial for getting the project started.

John S. Casement: The Builder

John S. Casement (1829-1909) wasn't just an engineer; he was also a contractor. His company, Casement Brothers, was responsible for actually building many miles of the track. They worked from 1866 to 1869. They were known for their speed and efficiency.

Percy T. Brown: Facing Dangers

Percy T. Brown was an assistant engineer. He was working on a section of the railroad in 1867. Sadly, he and his team faced dangers from Native American tribes. While surveying, his party was attacked. Brown died in the fight. This shows the risks these engineers took to build the railroad.

Leonard H. Eicholtz: Bridge Expert

Leonard H. Eicholtz (1827-1911) was the Bridge Engineer in 1868. He was responsible for designing and overseeing the construction of many bridges along the route. Bridges were vital for crossing rivers and canyons.

Henry Harding: Designing Stations

Henry Harding (1837-1910) was an assistant engineer. He worked for the Union Pacific from 1865 to 1870. Harding's special job was designing the buildings. He created plans for bridges, station houses, and roundhouses. These were important structures for the railroad's operation.

Samuel B. Reed: Construction and Operations

Samuel B. Reed (1818-1891) had several important roles. He was a locating engineer, meaning he helped find the best path for the tracks. Later, he became the engineer of construction. From 1866 to 1869, he was the superintendent of operations. This meant he helped manage how the railroad ran once parts of it were built.

Charles H. Sharman: Inspiring Stories

Charles H. Sharman (1841-1938) was another civil engineer. His personal journal about working on the railroad became very famous. It inspired a Western fiction author named Ernest Haycox. Haycox wrote a story called "The Troubleshooter." This story later became the basis for the 1939 movie "Union Pacific." It's amazing how an engineer's notes could lead to a Hollywood film!

These are just a few of the many dedicated people who worked on the Union Pacific Railroad. Their hard work and bravery helped shape the United States.

Images for kids

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  Andrew J. Russell photograph of some of the civil engineers who worked on the Union Pacific (1863-1869). Sixteen men are standing in the photograph. The man standing on the left was one of several railroad contractors who built the road, General "Jack" Casement

See also

• First transcontinental railroad
• List of people associated with rail transport
• List of civil engineers