The London Bridge in Lake Havasu is a popular tourist attraction that draws visitors from all over the world. However, there is a lot of confusion surrounding the origins of this iconic bridge. Many people wonder if the London Bridge in Lake Havasu is really from London or if it’s just a replica.
To answer this question, let’s take a closer look at the history of the London Bridge. The original London Bridge was built in 1831 and spanned the River Thames in London, England. This bridge became overcrowded and was deemed unsafe for modern traffic, so it was eventually dismantled in 1967.
But what happened to the bridge after it was taken apart? Well, it turns out that an American businessman named Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge for $2.46 million dollars! He had it shipped piece by piece from London to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where it was rebuilt and opened to the public in 1971.
So, to answer the question – yes, the London Bridge in Lake Havasu is indeed the real deal! It’s not just a replica or a copycat version. Visitors can walk across this historic bridge and admire its Gothic architecture just like they could in London.
But why did McCulloch decide to buy the bridge and bring it all the way to Arizona? There are a few theories about this.
Some say he wanted to boost tourism in Lake Havasu City by creating a unique attraction that would draw visitors from all over. Others believe he saw an opportunity to own a piece of history and jumped on it.
Regardless of his motives, there’s no denying that McCulloch’s decision has paid off. The London Bridge has become one of Arizona’s top tourist destinations with millions of visitors each year.
In conclusion, yes – the London Bridge in Lake Havasu is really from London! It may seem strange that such an iconic piece of British history now resides in the Arizona desert, but it’s a testament to the power of human ingenuity and determination. If you ever find yourself in Lake Havasu City, be sure to take a stroll across this historic bridge and marvel at its beauty.