11-Pound "Tom's Baby" Found in Colorado Makes Record as Largest Gold Nugget

The biggest gold nugget discovered in Colorado weighs 11 pounds and is known as "Tom's Baby."

The popularity of shows like "Gold Rush," "Parker's Trail," "Bering Sea Gold," and "Yukon Gold" has increased over time, so many people are very interested in learning about the history of gold mining in Colorado.

Tom Groves and Harry Lytton, two miners, discovered the largest gold nugget ever discovered in Colorado in 1887. The nugget was found in the vicinity of Breckenridge, close to Farncomb Hill.

Tom's Baby: An 11-Pound Gold Nugget Wrapped in a Blanket

The gold nugget, known as Tom's baby, was over 11 pounds in weight, despite conflicting reports to the contrary, according to the Town of Breckenridge.

The nugget was named Tom's Baby because Groves wrapped it in a blanket like a baby and then carried it to Main Street where the proud "father" displayed his prize to everyone. The gold nugget weight a little over 11 and 1/3 pounds when Prospector Park opened in 2015. To date, the largest gold nugget ever discovered in Colorado is still Tom's Baby.

The Denver Museum of Nature and Science says the nugget now weighs eight pounds. It is also in display inthe said museum.

The nugget is believed to weigh less than it did when it was first discovered because of a piece that is said to have fallen off and was never found, but there is no confirmed information on what actually occurred.

In Breckenridge's Prospector Park, Groves has a bronze sculpture that commemorates the tale of Tom's Baby.

According to the Denver Public LIbrary, Tom's Baby the largest crystallized gold nugget unearthed in Colorado history.

Gold panning

Gold panning is one of the many enjoyable activities for families in Colorado, according to Colorado Parks and Wildlife. Although this is open to all, those who find gold in chinks or nuggets within the boundaries of the state park should show the gold to the park staff.

CPW recommends securing the equipment needed for gold panning. A shovel or scoop, instruction books, and waders are good starters.

Castlewood Canyon State Park is a CPW favorite, but they also adore Point Barr at Arkansas Headwaters Recreation Area. A creek or stream with calm, slow-moving waters can ensure safety. Randy Howell, a volunteer, advises looking for dark, even black, sand by digging in a creek close to its bank. Practicing could help in honing the skills of gold panning. Experimenting in neighborhood parks to find the best location is a learning process, according to CPW, and could also be half the fun.

CPW later concluded that it makes no difference whether or not gold seekers return home with a vial full of gold because they have spent time in stunning Colorado outdoors and engaged in a tradition that Coloradans have engaged in for centuries. However, as CPW says, it is also important for the visitors of the state park to also take in the scenery and the history because the riches are found in the experience rather than the gold, FOX31 reports.