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London Bridge is falling down, falling down, falling down. You remember
that song from childhood no doubt. But did you know that the London
Bridge is actually located in the beautiful town of Lake Havasu City in
Arizona, United States of America? The world-famous London Bridge in
Lake Havasu City attracts hundred of thousands of visitors year-round
from all around the world. It is a focal point for the city and a
crossing between the Bridgewater Channel from the mainland and a little
island on the Colorado River. Here’s a little background on the
legendary bridge that resides in this historic American city.
In 1962, after standing for over 130 years, the bridge which was
originally located in London, was really falling down, just like in the
nursery rhyme. It simply could no longer handle the ever increasing
traffic flow across the river. Well it was actually sinking in the
Thames River.
Nevertheless, an American entrepreneur named Robert P. McCulloch
recognized a wonderful opportunity when the British government put it
up for sale. He made a bid for ownership of the bridge and on April 18,
1968, won the auction for a sum of $2,460,000. Mr. McCulloch, who was
the Founder of Lake Havasu City and also Chairman of McCulloch Oil
Corporation, then had London Bridge taken apart. With each stone being
carefully marked, it was sent off on a barge to make its journey from
Europe to the United States. At the dock of the California coast, it
was taken off the boat, loaded up and transported by truck to Lake
Havasu in Arizona. It cost an additional 7 million dollars to transport
and reconstruct it, which took three years. But the bridge was rebuilt
stone by stone and upon its completion, was officially dedicated in the
town on October 10, 1971, where it still stands.
After you enjoy taking in the view of the bridge and the beautiful
mountainscapes that surround it, you can go down below it for even more
fun. Nuzzled underneath the City of Lake Havasu’s London Bridge is the
‘English Village’. Offering quaint, old-fashioned British spirit for
your eating and shopping pleasure, the Tudor style architecture of the
shops and restaurants creates an essence that allows visitors to
experience the days of "Merry Olde England". You can stroll along the
tree-lined walkways, shop and feast at one of the great selection of
restaurants which offer something for everyone. Later, stop in at one
of the local breweries for a ‘homemade’ beer – root beer or otherwise!
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