Cities and Towns in White Pine County, Nevada
Founded in 1869, White Pine County is one of 16 counties in the state of Nevada. Historically, White Pine County was formed from Lander County. The city of Ely is the county seat. With FIPS code of 33, White Pine County has a population of 9,182 and area of 8,877 square miles (22,991 km²).
List of all cities in White Pine County, NV alphabetically
| City/Town | Postal Code | Area Code |
| Baker, NV | 89311 | 775 |
| Cherry Creek, NV | 89301 | 775 |
| Currie, NV | 89301 | 775 |
| Duckwater, NV | 89314 | 775 |
| Ely, NV | 89301 | 775 |
| 89315 | 775 | |
| Ely Colony, NV | 89301 | 775 |
| Lane, NV | 89301 | 775 |
| Lehman Caves, NV | 89311 | 775 |
| Lund, NV | 89317 | 775 |
| Mc Gill, NV | 89318 | 775 |
| Preston, NV | 89301 | 775 |
| Ruth, NV | 89319 | 775 |
| Steptoe, NV | 89318 | 775 |
Major Cities and Towns in White Pine County, Nevada
White Pine County, located in the eastern part of Nevada, is home to several key towns and cities, each with its own unique history, cultural significance, and geographic characteristics. Below are the major towns in White Pine County:
Ely
Location and History
Ely, the largest city in White Pine County, is situated at an elevation of approximately 6,400 feet in the eastern part of Nevada. Founded in 1878 as a mining camp during the silver boom, Ely grew rapidly as a center for the extraction of precious metals, particularly copper, silver, and gold. The town’s name comes from the Ely family, who were involved in the early settlement of the area. Ely became a significant stop along the Southern Pacific Railroad, which brought further growth and development to the region. In the early 20th century, the city’s economy transitioned from mining to agriculture, but mining remained a key industry for many decades. Today, Ely is known for its historical significance, including being listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town’s population has fluctuated over time, but it has remained the central hub of White Pine County.
Major Schools
Ely is home to several educational institutions, including White Pine High School, the region’s primary secondary education provider. Additionally, there are a number of elementary and middle schools, such as the Ely Elementary School, that serve the surrounding areas. The town also hosts Great Basin College, which offers a variety of degree programs and vocational training options.
Major Landmarks
Ely is rich in history, with several key landmarks that reflect its mining heritage and cultural significance. One of the most prominent landmarks is the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, where visitors can take historic train rides and explore preserved locomotives. Another key site is the Ely Renaissance Village, a living history museum that showcases the town’s pioneer and mining history. For nature lovers, the nearby Great Basin National Park offers hiking, camping, and stargazing opportunities, including the famous Lehman Caves.
City Stats:
- Area: 5.3 square miles
- Population: 4,255 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 89301
- Latitude: 39.2510° N
- Longitude: 114.8832° W
Baker
Location and History
Baker is a small unincorporated town located at the eastern edge of White Pine County, near the Nevada-Utah border. The town was established as a railroad settlement in the early 1900s, following the construction of the Southern Pacific Railroad. Although it was originally a stop for travelers and a service hub for nearby mining operations, the town’s economy shifted as mining activity in the region declined. Baker is now known primarily as the gateway to Great Basin National Park, which is located just to the south. Despite its small size, Baker has retained a strong historical connection to the mining industry and the expansion of the railroad in the American West.
Major Schools
As a small town, Baker does not have its own schools; students typically attend schools in nearby Ely. The White Pine County School District provides educational services for families living in and around the Baker area, with students attending schools such as White Pine High School and Ely Elementary School.
Major Landmarks
Baker is best known for its proximity to Great Basin National Park, a major natural landmark in the region. Visitors to the area can explore Lehman Caves, which feature stunning stalactites and stalagmites, or hike the trails around Wheeler Peak, the second-highest peak in Nevada. The town is also home to several historic sites tied to the railroad era and early mining history, including old train depots and ghost towns in the surrounding mountains.
City Stats:
- Area: 2.0 square miles
- Population: 60 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 89311
- Latitude: 38.9864° N
- Longitude: 114.3253° W
McGill
Location and History
McGill is a small town located about 7 miles north of Ely, Nevada, and was once a company town for the McGill Mine, a copper mine that operated from the early 1900s until the 1970s. The town was founded in the early 20th century, and for decades, it was a major center for copper extraction in the region. McGill was known for its well-organized and cohesive community, built around the mining industry. The town had its own schools, businesses, and even a baseball team, all supported by the mine. When the mine closed in the 1970s, McGill’s economy collapsed, and the town’s population significantly dwindled. However, McGill remains an important part of White Pine County’s mining history, and several historical buildings from the town’s boom period are still standing.
Major Schools
McGill does not have its own dedicated public school, but children living in McGill attend schools in nearby Ely, which is part of the White Pine County School District. White Pine High School and Ely Elementary School are the main educational institutions serving McGill’s youth.
Major Landmarks
McGill’s historical significance is still visible in its architecture and landmarks. The McGill Drugstore and the old mining office building are popular historic sites, offering a glimpse into the town’s industrial past. Additionally, the nearby Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, which preserves several well-maintained stone charcoal ovens from the late 19th century, attracts history buffs and visitors interested in learning more about the region’s industrial heritage.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.5 square miles
- Population: 1,287 (2020 Census)
- Zip Code: 89318
- Latitude: 39.3512° N
- Longitude: 114.9757° W
Ruth
Location and History
Ruth is a small town located near Ely and McGill in White Pine County. Originally established as a mining town in the early 1900s, Ruth was a key center for copper production. The Ruth Mine was one of the largest open-pit copper mines in the United States during its operational years. The town flourished for a time as workers flocked to the area to support the booming copper industry. However, the mine’s closure in the 1970s led to a significant population decline, and Ruth became a ghost town. Today, Ruth is primarily a residential area, though remnants of its mining past remain. The town is now known for its proximity to the active Robinson Mine, which continues to extract copper and other minerals from the area.
Major Schools
Like McGill, Ruth does not have its own schools. Students typically attend schools in Ely, with the White Pine County School District overseeing education for the area. White Pine High School and other elementary schools in Ely serve the educational needs of students from Ruth.
Major Landmarks
The Ruth area is notable for its connection to the Robinson Mine, an active copper mine that has replaced the historic Ruth Mine as the primary economic driver for the region. The open-pit mine is a significant landmark, and visitors to the area can take guided tours to learn about mining techniques and the history of the local industry. Additionally, the remains of old mining structures can still be seen around Ruth, offering insight into the town’s past as a once-thriving mining hub.
City Stats:
- Area: 0.3 square miles
- Population: 500 (estimated)
- Zip Code: 89301
- Latitude: 39.3911° N
- Longitude: 114.8023° W