[Congressional Record Volume 171, Number 14 (Thursday, January 23, 2025)]
[Senate]
[Page S333]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




  RECOGNIZING THE 40-YEAR ANNIVERSARY OF THE NEVADA NORTHERN RAILWAY 
                                 MUSEUM

 Ms. CORTEZ MASTO. Mr. President, I come forward today to 
recognize the 40th anniversary of the Nevada Northern Railway Museum. 
Following the closure of the Nevada Northern Railway in 1983, a group 
of concerned citizens in Ely, NV, sought to acquire the railroad and 
open the former site as a tourist operation to offset the economic 
impact of losing the railway. It was through the power of passionate 
individuals and generous donations that the Nevada Northern Railway 
Museum was formed in conjunction with the city of Ely in 1984.
  Previously owned by the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company, the 
Nevada Northern Railway was constructed in 1905-06 to support the 
growing copper mining industry after massive copper deposits were 
discovered in White Pine County in the early 1900s. The railway then 
quickly became a necessity for transporting copper to processing and 
shipping sites and eventually out for market sale. Creating jobs and 
promoting growth of critical infrastructure, the Nevada Northern 
Railway played a significant role in the economic development of the 
State of Nevada at the time.
  The decline of the copper mining industry ultimately led to the 
closure of the Nevada Northern Railway in 1983, leaving the citizens of 
Ely with a desire to find a new purpose for the historic buildings. It 
was then, thanks to local efforts, that the Kennecott Copper Company 
agreed to transfer the entire line, as well as the railroad's yard and 
shop facilities, to the White Pine Historical Railroad Foundation. 
Today, that organization is known as the Nevada Northern Railway Museum 
and operates as a family friendly tourist destination in the heart of 
this picturesque rural community. As a heritage railroad, the Nevada 
Northern Railway Museum offers an immersive experience filled with 
historical artifacts and the opportunity to experience Nevada's high 
deserts and some of the darkest skies in the lower 48 States. Visitors 
are able to experience passenger excursions pulled by historic steam 
and diesel locomotives, while listening to exhilarating tales about 
what life was like during the boom of the mining industry. Perhaps 
their most famous excursion is the Star Train experience, which allows 
visitors the opportunity to view the Great Basin night sky free of 
light pollution, using telescopes for stargazing. I have had the 
pleasure of joining Nevada Northern Railway for an evening of viewing 
the desert skies and can say from personal experience that it is a ride 
unlike any other.
  With approval from the National Park Service and the support of my 
predecessor Senator Harry Reid, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum was 
able to officially designate the East Ely Yard as a National Historic 
Landmark in 2006. However, many came to know the Nevada Northern 
Railway Museum when a friendly stray named Dirt the Cat rose to viral 
fame as the ``Boss Shop Cat,'' keeping watch over daily operations at 
the railway. Dirt attracted visitors from all over the world who hoped 
to meet the local celebrity, and he captured the hearts of many 
Nevadans in his time. His legacy lives on in a number of shop cats that 
now call the museum home. Largely considered the best-preserved short 
line rail in the country, the Nevada Northern Railway Museum has put 
forth tremendous efforts to preserve the history of Ely and provide 
family fun to visitors of all ages. It is my honor to recognize their 
40th anniversary of official service to our State. As a true pillar of 
heritage, education, and cultural preservation, I wish them well in 
continuing their work for many years to come.

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