There’s a popular myth that the original London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. But is it true or just a tall tale? Let’s find out.
History of London Bridge
The original London Bridge was built in 1831 and spanned the River Thames in London, England. It was a marvel of Victorian engineering at the time, but by the mid-20th century, the bridge couldn’t handle modern traffic and needed to be replaced.
The Bridge’s Demise
In 1967, London decided to auction off the old bridge to make way for a new one. A wealthy businessman named Robert P. McCulloch won the bid with a whopping $2.4 million. He had a dream of bringing a piece of British history to America.
Transporting the Bridge
The task of moving the massive bridge was no small feat. The bridge was dismantled piece by piece and each stone was numbered before being shipped across the Atlantic Ocean to California and then trucked to Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
Reassembling the Bridge
It took three years and $7 million to reassemble the bridge in Lake Havasu City. The new bridge opened on October 10, 1971, with much fanfare and celebration.
Separating Fact from Fiction
So, was it really the original London Bridge that now stands in Arizona? Well, yes and no. While it is true that Robert P. McCulloch purchased the old London Bridge and transported it to Lake Havasu City, it wasn’t exactly the same as what had stood in England for over a century.
The bridge that stands in Arizona today is actually comprised of over 10,000 granite blocks that were salvaged from the old London Bridge. These blocks were used to construct a new bridge in Arizona that closely resembles the original, but it’s not an exact replica.
The Legacy of London Bridge in Arizona
Despite not being the exact same bridge, the one in Lake Havasu City has become a popular tourist attraction and a symbol of the city’s growth and prosperity. Visitors can walk across the bridge and enjoy stunning views of Lake Havasu.
- Fun fact: There is even a rumor that McCulloch thought he was buying the more iconic Tower Bridge, not London Bridge!
- The London Bridge in Arizona was featured in the 1985 film “Fletch Lives.”
In Conclusion
While it’s true that the original London Bridge was dismantled and transported to America, what stands today is a replica made from salvaged materials. Nevertheless, it remains an important piece of history and a beloved landmark in Lake Havasu City.