McGill
McGill is an unincorporated community and census-designated place (CDP) in eastern White Pine County, Nevada, located just north of Ely along U.S. Route 93. As of the 2020 Census, McGill had a population of approximately 1,200.[1]
McGill was established in the early 1900s as a company town supporting the massive copper smelter owned by the Nevada Consolidated Copper Company. Though the smelter closed in the 1980s, McGill retains its historic buildings, small-town character, and close connection to the region’s mining legacy.[2]
Quick Facts
- **Status:** Unincorporated CDP
- **County:** White Pine County
- **Population:** ~1,200
- **ZIP Code:** 89318
- **Elevation:** ~6,600 ft
- **Access:** U.S. Route 93
Local Economy
McGill’s economy is modest and local, supported by:
- **Retirement and residential living**
- **Commuters to Ely or rural public services**
- **Heritage tourism and preservation**
- **Limited retail and hospitality**
Community Features
- **McGill Drugstore Museum** – restored pharmacy from early 20th century
- Historic neighborhoods with original company housing
- McGill Slag Dump – visible remnants of the copper smelter
- Easy access to hiking, fishing, and ghost towns
Education
Students in McGill are served by the White Pine County School District, attending schools in nearby Ely.
Governance and Services
McGill is administered by the White Pine County Commission and receives:
- Utilities and planning via county and local improvement districts
- Emergency services coordinated with Ely
- Civic representation through a town advisory board
Related Pages
References
- ↑ U.S. Census Bureau. QuickFacts: McGill CDP, Nevada. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://www.census.gov/quickfacts/mcgillcdpnevada
- ↑ White Pine County Museum. McGill Smelter History and Community Overview. Retrieved May 8, 2025, from https://whitepinecounty.net