James A. Evans

James Armstrong Evans (1827–1887) was a British-born civil engineer who was part of the effort to build the Union Pacific Railroad's initial line. Evans was present at the golden spike ceremony on May 10, 1869, that connected the Central Pacific and Union Pacific railroads at Promontory Summit, Utah Territory. Evans was also in the Russell photograph of the event.

Early life and career Evans was born on February 3, 1827, in Dover, England. His brother John A. Evans Jr., born in 1852 in Pennsylvania, was also a civil engineer.

Union Pacific Railroad Russell photograph of the "Engineers of U.P.R.R. at the Laying of Last Rail Promentory" Evans was a division engineer and superintendent of construction in the building of the first transcontinental railway, the Union Pacific Railroad (UPRR) for 1863 thru 1869. In the summer of 1863, UPRR president Thomas C. Durant hired Evans—along with J.E. House, Samuel B Reed, Percy T. "P.T." Browne, and Ogden Edwards—to survey a possible route to Salt Lake, Utah. a distance of almost 400 miles through present-day Rawlins, Medicine Bow, Laramie and Cheyenne, Wyoming. Browne was shot by a band of Sioux warriors and died at LaClede Station in June 1867.

Death and interment Evans died in Denver, Colorado, on December 26, 1887, and was interred two days later at the city's Riverside Cemetery.

Legacy Several landmarks are named for Evans: Evans Pass (now known as Sherman, Wyoming). Evanston, Wyoming Evans Avenue in Cheyenne