In 1869, the largest gold nugget ever found was unearthed in Australia. The Welcome Stranger, weighing an astonishing 173 pounds, was discovered by John Deason and Richard Oates in the town of Moliagul, Victoria. This incredible find captivated the world and solidified Australia's reputation as a gold-rich country.

The Welcome Stranger was so massive that it had to be broken into smaller pieces in order to be weighed on the scales of the time. Despite this, it still holds the title of the largest gold nugget ever discovered. The nugget's discovery sparked a gold rush in the region, with many hopeful prospectors flocking to the area in search of their own fortune.

The sheer size of the Welcome Stranger made it a marvel of nature and a symbol of wealth and prosperity. Its discovery brought fame and fortune to Deason and Oates, who sold the nugget to the London Chartered Bank of Australia for a hefty sum. The Welcome Stranger was eventually melted down and turned into smaller gold bars, but its legacy lives on as a testament to the riches that lie beneath the Australian soil.

Today, the Welcome Stranger is a popular attraction for tourists and history buffs alike. Its discovery marked a significant moment in Australia's history and is a reminder of the country's rich mining heritage. The town of Moliagul even erected a monument to commemorate the spot where the nugget was found, ensuring that the Welcome Stranger's legacy will endure for generations to come.

In conclusion, the Welcome Stranger remains a symbol of Australia's golden past and a testament to the wealth that can be found in the country's vast landscapes. Its discovery in 1869 forever changed the course of history and continues to capture the imaginations of those who hear its story. The Welcome Stranger truly was a treasure beyond compare.

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