This 52.1 gram natural gold nugget was mined in McGrath summer 2023. McGrath, Alaska is another town with a rich history of gold mining. The first discovery of gold in the area was made in 1904, and within a few years, the town had grown into a thriving mining community with a population of around 500 people. In the early years of the 20th century, the mines in McGrath produced millions of dollars’ worth of gold. However, mining in the area declined after World War II. By the 1960s, the last of the major mining operations had shut down. Today, small-scale mining operations continue in the area, but the town’s economy has diversified to include other industries such as tourism and fishing. Nonetheless, the legacy of gold mining remains an important part of McGrath’s history and identity.