Why Did They Move the London Bridge to Lake Havasu?

By Alice Nichols

In the early 1960s, the London Bridge was falling apart. It was sinking into the Thames River and couldn’t handle the amount of traffic it received.

The British government decided that a new bridge needed to be built. But what happened to the old bridge? It was sold to an unlikely buyer – Lake Havasu City in Arizona, USA.

Why did they choose Lake Havasu?

Lake Havasu City’s founder, Robert P. McCulloch, was looking for a way to attract tourists to his newly established city. He had heard that London Bridge was for sale and thought it would be an excellent addition to his city’s landscape.

How did they move the London Bridge?

Moving such a massive structure wasn’t an easy task. The bridge had to be dismantled brick by brick and transported across the Atlantic Ocean piece by piece. The granite blocks were numbered so that they could be reassembled in their original position.

Once they arrived in Arizona, construction workers spent three years rebuilding the bridge over a man-made canal that connects Lake Havasu to the Colorado River.

London Bridge Today

Today, visitors can see the original London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. It has become one of Arizona’s top tourist attractions, drawing over 1 million visitors each year.

The Bridge’s Legacy

The London Bridge’s relocation is an excellent example of how historical landmarks can find new life and purpose. Instead of being demolished or abandoned, it has been given a new home and continues to provide enjoyment for generations to come.

  • It also serves as a reminder of how interconnected our world is.
  • The fact that a British landmark now resides in the middle of an American desert is a testament to our global community.

In Conclusion

The London Bridge’s relocation to Lake Havasu City may have seemed like an unusual decision at the time, but it has proven to be a wise one. It has become a symbol of international cooperation and a source of pride for both British and American citizens. So, if you ever find yourself in Arizona, be sure to visit the London Bridge and see for yourself how it has found a new home across the pond.