In the middle of the Arizona desert, spanning across the Colorado River, lies an unexpected sight- the London Bridge. Yes, you read that right, the same London Bridge that used to stand over River Thames in England. But why was it moved to Arizona?
History of London Bridge
The original London Bridge was built in 1209 and served as a vital transportation route across the River Thames. However, due to its deteriorating condition and increasing traffic congestion, it was decided that a new bridge needed to be constructed.
The New London Bridge
In 1967, construction began on a new modernized version of London Bridge designed by architect Lord Holford. The new bridge was made of concrete and steel and opened to the public in 1973.
The Sale of London Bridge
In 1968, an American entrepreneur named Robert P. McCulloch purchased the old London Bridge from the City of London for $2.46 million dollars. McCulloch had grand plans to use the bridge as a tourist attraction in Lake Havasu City, Arizona.
The Move
Moving an entire bridge across the Atlantic Ocean was no easy feat. The bridge was disassembled into 10,000 pieces and each piece was numbered for reassembly in America.
The pieces were then transported via ship from England to California before being transported by truck to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where it was reassembled over a period of three years.
The Legacy
Today, the London Bridge is one of Arizona’s most popular tourist attractions with thousands of visitors each year crossing over its arches. It has become an iconic symbol that represents not only Lake Havasu City but also Anglo-American friendship.
So there you have it- why one of England’s most famous landmarks ended up in a small city in Arizona. The move may have been controversial at the time, but it has undoubtedly created a unique and memorable piece of history that will continue to be talked about for generations to come.
- Key Takeaways:
- The original London Bridge was built in 1209 and served as a vital transportation route across the River Thames.
- The new modernized version of London Bridge was built in 1967 and opened to the public in 1973.
- An American entrepreneur named Robert P.
- The bridge was disassembled into 10,000 pieces and transported via ship from England to California before being transported by truck to Lake Havasu City, Arizona where it was reassembled over a period of three years.
10 Related Question Answers Found
In 1831, London Bridge was constructed over the River Thames in London, England. It was a symbol of the city’s growth and prosperity at the time, as it connected the northern and southern parts of the city. However, after more than a century of use, the bridge began to deteriorate and needed to be replaced.
Have you ever heard of the London Bridge in Arizona? If not, you might be surprised to know that a piece of British history was relocated to the United States in 1967. In this article, we explore the fascinating story behind why the London Bridge got moved to Arizona.
In the middle of the Arizona desert, there stands a bridge unlike any other. It’s not the towering skyscraper that comes to mind when we think of bridges, nor is it adorned with intricate designs or sculptures. Instead, this bridge is a plain and simple structure that spans over a man-made lake.
London Bridge is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world, but did you know that it was once relocated to Arizona? Yes, you read that right! In this article, we will explore the fascinating story behind why London Bridge was moved to Lake Havasu City in Arizona.
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