1952 Map of Ely

About this map

The industrial core of White Pine County is defined by the heavy mineral extraction operations at Ruth and the large Copper Smelter at McGill. This 1950s survey captures the region's copper-driven economy at its mid-century height, connected by the Nevada Northern RR which runs north through the Steptoe Valley. While Ely serves as the regional hub with its Ely Airport and County Fairgrounds, the landscape is dominated by the massive Copper Pit and geological features like Fossil Hill. Outside the mining zones, the Humboldt National Forest spans the high peaks of the Schell Creek Range and Egan Range. Notable landmarks include the historic Charcoal Ovens to the south and Success Summit, providing a look at the infrastructure required to support both the timber and mining industries in this high-desert basin.