The Ely State Prison was first opened and accepted its first prisoners in August 1989. Phase two was completed in November 1990 and under 250 inmates were housed here. The Ely State Prison is considered to be one of the area's major employers and is budgeted to fill 350 positions. The Prison and its employees contribute greatly to the economy of White Pine County. The Ely State Prison houses Nevada's Death Row inmates and is Nevada's only maximum security prison.
Executions take place at Carson City, Nevada.
First Warden George W. Sumner , a former Director for Nevada, was the first warden to be appointed. The only serious escape attempt happened on his watch in 1990. The attempt was foiled by the professionalism of the Correctional Officers on duty. He also allowed Death Row inmates out of their cells to use the main yard. He left to become a Director for the State of Michigan.