How Much Did McCulloch Pay for the London Bridge?

By Anna Duncan

The London Bridge is an iconic symbol of the city of London, and it is undoubtedly one of the most recognizable bridges in the world. The bridge has a long and fascinating history that spans over 2,000 years, dating back to the Roman times.

However, what many people don’t know is that in 1968, the bridge was sold to an American businessman named Robert P. McCulloch. The question that often comes up is how much did McCulloch pay for the London Bridge?

The Sale of the London Bridge

In 1967, the British government put the London Bridge up for sale due to its deteriorating condition. The bridge had been in use for over 130 years and was no longer able to handle the increased traffic demands of modern-day London. The decision was made to sell the bridge, and it was put up for auction.

McCulloch’s Bid

Robert P. McCulloch was a wealthy American businessman who made his fortune in manufacturing chainsaws. He had a keen interest in purchasing unique landmarks around the world and had previously acquired other notable structures like the Wawona Tree in Yosemite National Park.

McCulloch saw an opportunity to own a piece of history when he learned that the London Bridge was up for sale. He placed a bid of $2.46 million, which at the time was considered a high price for a bridge that was deemed obsolete.

The Cost Breakdown

The cost breakdown of McCulloch’s purchase is quite interesting. The $2.46 million included not just the cost of buying the bridge itself but also dismantling it and shipping it across to Lake Havasu City in Arizona, where McCulloch intended to rebuild it as a tourist attraction.

The cost of dismantling and shipping alone amounted to $7 million, which meant that McCulloch’s total investment into purchasing and rebuilding the bridge was around $9.5 million.

The Rebuilding Process

After the London Bridge was dismantled, each stone was carefully numbered, and a team of engineers and architects worked on reassembling it in Lake Havasu City. The bridge was opened to the public in 1971 and has since become a popular tourist attraction.

The London Bridge in Arizona is not just a replica but is actually the same bridge that once stood over the River Thames in London. It is an impressive feat of engineering and has become a symbol of American ingenuity and British history.

Conclusion

In conclusion, Robert P. McCulloch paid $2.46 million for the London Bridge in 1968, which included not just the cost of buying the bridge but also dismantling it and shipping it to Arizona. The cost of rebuilding it added another $7 million to his investment, bringing his total investment to around $9.

The London Bridge in Arizona is now a popular tourist attraction and an impressive example of engineering ingenuity. It’s fascinating to think that a piece of British history now resides in America thanks to one man’s vision and determination to own a unique landmark.