Meet Dirt the Railway Cat, a legend in his own right, who bid farewell to the world early last year. This remarkable kitty, who captured the hearts of many, passed away at the age of 15, leaving behind a legacy that will be remembered for years to come.
Dirt’s story began at the Nevada Northern Railway, where he spent his entire life. Nestled in the East Ely Railroad Depot Museum, Dirt became a symbol of resilience and charm, drawing visitors from far and wide.
With his distinctive markings resembling coal-stained fur, Dirt was a familiar sight around the museum grounds. Eric Mencis, the manager of guest services, recalled Dirt’s role, saying, “As tours walked through the building, people were just amazed… Dirt just walked into the room… and would sit in the middle of the group with a sense of pride.”
Born to a stray under a train, Dirt’s journey was as rugged as the railway itself. His fur, once orange and white, became gray from days spent rolling in the dirt and climbing trains. “Dirt learned not to lick himself clean… it helped keep him tough-looking,” Eric explained.
But Dirt wasn’t just a cat; he was an honorary railroader, embodying the spirit of the men who worked the rails decades ago. “Dirt walked around the shop like he was the boss,” Eric reminisced, “climbing on and walking around the trains… like he was inspecting them.”
Dirt’s celebrity status extended beyond the museum walls. “Dirt had fathered kittens… but they didn’t have the sense of how to live around the trains,” Eric shared. Dirt’s legacy lives on in the hearts of those who knew him, and the museum plans to honor him with a life-sized bronze statue and a Remembrance Day celebration.
As we bid farewell to Dirt, we remember the joy he brought and the paw prints he left behind. Rest in peace, dear Dirt, you will be missed by all who knew you.
