Skip to Content

White Pine County Nevada

Categories Nevada History

Nevada Counties » White Pine County Nevada

White Pine County Nevada

White Pine County Nevada Overview

Nestled in the heart of the Silver State, White Pine County, Nevada, beckons to the intrepid traveler with a siren’s call of breathtaking landscapes, captivating history, and boundless adventure. As you traverse this hidden gem, expect to be swept off your feet by the sheer magnitude of the Great Basin National Park, the mystical beauty of the Lehman Caves, and the alluring charm of Ely’s historic downtown.In White Pine County, you’ll unearth a treasure trove of outdoor activities, cultural delights, and memories to last a lifetime. So pack your bags, fuel your wanderlust, and get ready to be spellbound by the enchanting allure of this captivating corner of Nevada.

Click here to view all of our articles related to White Pine County, Nevada, and learn more about all the Counties in Nevada.

Year Established/Founded

1869

White Pine County Nevada History

European settlement in White Pine County began with mining exploration, the activity generated by the Pony Express Trail (which passes through the county), and farming.

The county was established by the Nevada legislature in 1869 from Lander County and named after the heavy growth of limber pine trees in the area, which was then called white pine.

Timeline

  • 1826-1827: Jedediah Smith, an American explorer, traverses the region that would later become White Pine County, marking the first recorded entry of a non-native individual into the area.
  • 1859: The Pony Express, a mail service that connected the East and West Coasts of the United States, runs through White Pine County, contributing to the region’s development.
  • 1864: Nevada becomes the 36th state in the Union, with White Pine County.
  • 1868: The discovery of silver and gold leads to a mining boom in the region, attracting a surge of prospectors and entrepreneurs to White Pine County.
  • March 2, 1869: White County was formed and was named because of the heavy stand of timber.
  • 1869 – 1887 – Hamilton was the first county seat and was replaced by Ely after a fire
  • 1907: The Nevada Northern Railway is completed, connecting the county’s mining centers to the outside world and further boosting the local economy.
  • 1922: The construction of the Lincoln Highway (later known as U.S. Route 50) begins, providing easier access to White Pine County and promoting tourism.
  • 1933: The Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) establishes a camp in White Pine County, helping to construct local infrastructure and improve the natural environment during the Great Depression.
  • 1986: Great Basin National Park is established, preserving the unique ecosystems and cultural heritage of the region, and becoming a major draw for tourists.
  • 1993: The Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park opens, showcasing the well-preserved beehive-shaped charcoal ovens used in the 1870s for producing charcoal to smelt silver ore.

Throughout its history, White Pine County has evolved from a land of exploration and mining to a thriving hub for tourism and outdoor recreation, offering a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural richness to its visitors.

Historical Points of Interest in White Pine County Nevada

Nevada Historical Markers in White Pine County Nevada

Step into the captivating tapestry of White Pine County’s past with a journey through its storied Nevada Historical Markers.

As you traverse this remarkable region, these markers serve as sentinels, illuminating the events, places, and people that have shaped the county’s unique heritage.

From the echoes of ancient civilizations to the boom and bustle of the mining era, each marker invites you to delve deeper into the rich history that lies beneath the breathtaking landscapes.

Immerse yourself in the timeless tales of White Pine County, Nevada, and experience the vibrant history that awaits you at every turn.

As we visit each we will link the articles below for you to learn more about the history of the site the marker represents.

Things to Do in White Pine County Nevada

Hiking in White Pine County Nevada

  • Baker Creek Trail
  • Bristlecone Pine Trail
  • Johnson Lake Trail
  • Lexington Arch Trail
  • Wheeler Peak Summit Trail 

Bird Watching

  • Ruby Lake National Wildlife Refuge

Campgrounds

Be sure to check camping availability by using one of these mobile apps for the outdoor explorer.

  • Cave Lake State Park Campgrounds
  • Ely KOA
  • Great Basin National Park Campgrounds
  • McGill Campground

Fishing

Post Offices and Postmasters

Click here to learn more about the White County Post Offices and White Pine County Postmasters.

Ghost Towns in White Pine County Nevada

Journey into the hauntingly beautiful realm of White Pine County’s ghost towns, where the whispers of Nevada’s storied past linger in the windswept streets and weathered buildings. These once-thriving communities, forged in the heat of the mining boom, now stand as poignant testaments to the passage of time and the indomitable spirit of the Old West. As you explore these enigmatic locales, you’ll unearth a treasure trove of history, adventure, and mystery, all set against the stunning backdrop of the county’s rugged landscapes. Embark on a voyage through the eerie yet enchanting remnants of White Pine County’s ghost towns and discover the untold stories that lie hidden within their abandoned walls.

  1. Antelope Springs
  2. Aurum
  3. Babylon
  4. Barnes
  5. Belmont Mill
  6. Black Horse
  7. Blaine
  8. Bonanza
  9. Botwick
  10. Broadway
  11. Buck Station
  12. Bull Spring Station
  13. Butte Station
  14. Cherry Creek – A town in the northern part of the Egan Range on Nevada 35 and a mining district at the town at the mouth of the Cherry Creek Canyon.
  15. Claytons
  16. Cleve Creek
  17. Cleveland Ranch
  18. Cocomongo
  19. Cold Creek
  20. Conners Station
  21. Duck Creek
  22. Eberhardt
  23. Egan Canyon
  24. Eight Mile Station
  25. Ely – A town in southwest central White Pine County within the Egan Range at the junction of US 93-50 and US 6 on the Nevada Northern Railroad. The first building on the Ely townsite was in 1885 and the county seat since 1887. Incorporated under the general act of 1907, a mining district at the site was organized in 1868. Copper was the principal ore produced. Named for John Ely, a partner of William H. Raymond in the famous Pioche District, who loaned $5,000 to A. J. Underhill to purchase the land where Ely now stands.
  26. Fort Ruby
  27. Glencoe
  28. Hamilton – A town in the White Pine Range 36 miles west of Ely. A mining district is also known as White Pine which was discovered in 1865. Hamilton was the first county seat of White Pine County. In 1885 a fire destroyed the county buildings and the county seat was moved to Ely in 1887. Hamilton was incorporated in 1869 and disincorporated in 1875. Named for W. A. Hamilton, who surveyed the townsite in May 1869.
  29. Hogum
  30. Hunter
  31. Illipah
  32. Jacobs Well
  33. Johnson Mine
  34. Joy 
  35. Kimberly – A town and one of a group of mining camps in the rich copper district in the Egan Range, west of Ely. Named for the Kimberley region in South Africa.
  36. Lane City
  37. Leadville
  38. Lexington Canyon
  39. Lund – A town in Southern White Pine County 13 miles off US 6 on Nevada 39. Settled in 1898 and named in honor of Anthony C. Lund, one of the Presidency in control of the Mormon Church.
  40. McGill – A town in Steptoe Valley that is 11 miles north of Ely on the Nevada Northern Railroad and was the site of the largest smelter in Nevada with copper ore as the chief ore smelted. Settled in 1906 and named for William M. McGill, a surveyor, miner, and stockman who came west from Ohio in 1870.
  41. Minerva
  42. Monte Cristo
  43. Mosiers
  44. Mountain Spring
  45. Muncy – A town on the east side of the Shell Creek Range on a dirt road 13 miles south of Nevada 2 and the Muncy Creek Mining District in the area.
  46. Newark – A mining district on the east slope of the range that was discovered in 1866 by the Gilson Brothers, Stephen and John Beard, and other prospectors from Austin.
  47. Nipton
  48. Osceola – A town a little south of US 6 on the west flank of the Snake Range. Gold was discovered in 1872 and tungsten in 1916. Named by Southerners for the Seminole Chief of that name.
  49. Parker Station
  50. Picotillo
  51. Piermont
  52. Pinto
  53. Pinto Creek Station
  54. Pogues Station
  55. Preston – A town and ranching community on the White River seven miles southeast of US 6 in Southern White County. Established by the Church of Latter-Day Saints (Mormon) in 1897 and named for William B. Preston, Presiding Bishop.
  56. Regan
  57. Reipetown – A town settled in the 1900s and was incorporated 1918-1919. It was one of the cluster towns around Ely. Named for Richard A. Reipe, who came to Nevada in 1873, living first in Pioche, then at Ely, where he was the postmaster in 1887.
  58. Round Springs
  59. Ruby Hill
  60. Ruby Valley Station
  61. Ruth 
  62. San Pedro
  63. Schellbourne – A town on Schell Creek on the west slope of the Schell Creek Range. A mining district that was part of the Aurum District. Named for Schell Creek, which was named for Major A. J. Schell who was a United States commander in charge of a detachment of troops for protection of the overland wall.
  64. Seligman
  65. Shermantown
  66. Shoshone
  67. Siegel
  68. Six Mile House
  69. Spring Valley Station
  70. Springville
  71. Steptoe City – A town and valley that was settled in 1868 and named in honor of Colonel E. J. Steptoe of the United States Army who was a famous fighter of the Old West.
  72. Strawberry
  73. Swansea
  74. Taft
  75. Tamberlaine
  76. Tamerlane
  77. Tamberlane Canyon
  78. Taylor
  79. Tippett
  80. Treasure City
  81. Treasure Hill 
  82. Tungsten Mines
  83. Tungstonia – A mining district (see Pleasant Valley)
  84. Uvada
  85. Veteran
  86. Ward
  87. Yelland

White Pine County Nevada Cities

Welcome to the vibrant tapestry of towns and cities nestled within the captivating landscapes of White Pine County, Nevada.

Each community, with its distinct character and charm, beckons you to delve into its unique blend of history, culture, and natural beauty.

From bustling Ely to quaint McGill, these towns and cities serve as gateways to the boundless adventures that await you in the heart of the Silver State.

Whether you’re exploring historic downtowns or savoring the camaraderie of local festivals, every corner of White Pine County promises an unforgettable experience. Join us as we journey through these charming communities and uncover the hidden gems that make White Pine County a must-visit destination for every traveler.

  • Baker CDP 
  • Ely City
  • Lund CDP 
  • McGill CDP 
  • Preston CDP 
  • Ruth CDP 

References Used

White Pine County Nevada