Did America Buy London Bridge by Mistake?

By Robert Palmer

Introduction

London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the UK. It spans across the River Thames, connecting the City of London and Southwark.

However, many people believe that the bridge that stands today in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, is actually the real London Bridge. In this article, we will uncover the truth behind this intriguing story and find out if America really did buy London Bridge by mistake.

The Story Behind London Bridge

The history of London Bridge dates back to Roman times when a wooden bridge was built on this site. Over time, it was rebuilt several times with stone and concrete materials. The current bridge was completed in 1973 and replaced a 19th-century stone bridge that had become too weak to handle modern traffic.

The Sale of London Bridge

In the 1960s, it became clear that the old London Bridge needed to be replaced with a new one due to increased traffic demands. The authorities decided to put the old bridge up for sale and invited bids from interested parties. Surprisingly, an American entrepreneur named Robert P. McCulloch won the bid for $2.46 million.

A Common Misconception

Many people believe that McCulloch actually thought he was buying Tower Bridge instead of London Bridge. This is a common misconception that is not true at all. McCulloch knew exactly what he was buying and had plans to use it as a tourist attraction in his new development project, Lake Havasu City in Arizona.

The Transportation of London Bridge

The task of transporting such a massive structure across the Atlantic Ocean was not an easy one. The bridge had to be dismantled into over 10,000 pieces and shipped to the United States. It took nearly three years to complete this mammoth task.

Reconstruction of London Bridge

Once all the pieces arrived in Arizona, the bridge was reconstructed over a concrete structure to make it safe for pedestrians. The reconstruction process took another two years and cost an additional $7 million. The result was a beautiful bridge that looked just like the original one.

The Truth About London Bridge

So, did America really buy London Bridge by mistake The answer is a resounding no.

Robert P. McCulloch knew exactly what he was buying and had plans to use it as a tourist attraction in his new development project. The sale of London Bridge has become an urban legend over time, but the truth is far less intriguing than the myth.

The Legacy of London Bridge

The legacy of London Bridge lives on in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Today, it is one of the most popular tourist attractions in the city, drawing thousands of visitors every year. The bridge is also a symbol of friendship between two great nations – the United Kingdom and the United States.

Conclusion

In conclusion, America did not buy London Bridge by mistake. It was a deliberate purchase by an American entrepreneur who had plans to use it as a tourist attraction in his new development project. While the story behind this sale may have become distorted over time, one thing remains clear – the legacy of London Bridge lives on today in Arizona and serves as a symbol of friendship between nations.

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