Nestled in the heart of Lake Havasu City, Arizona, stands a bridge that once spanned the River Thames in London, a testament to visionary ambition and engineering prowess. The London Bridge, originally constructed in the 1830s under the design of Scottish engineer John Rennie, was dismantled and relocated to the Arizona desert in the late 1960s.
By the 1960s, the London Bridge was no longer adequate for modern traffic and was sinking into the Thames. In 1968, entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch purchased the bridge for $2.46 million, with the intent to use it as a centerpiece for his newly established Lake Havasu City.
Each stone of the bridge was meticulously numbered before being shipped through the Panama Canal to California and then transported overland to Arizona. Reassembly began in 1968 and the bridge was completed in 1971. The bridge was reconstructed over a dry land area; subsequently a canal was dredged beneath it, creating the Bridgewater Channel and transforming the adjacent peninsula into an island.
Today, the London Bridge serves not only as a functional crossing over the Bridgewater Channel but also as a major tourist attraction, drawing visitors worldwide. On a warm summer day you will find the sandy shores of the channel lined with boats and people who find this an ideal spot to relax and socialize.
The bridge’s relocation has been featured in various media, including the 1985 film “Bridge Across Time.” It is also known for its unique features, such as vintage lamps made from melted-down cannons of Napoleon Bonaparte’s army.
Whether you’re a history buff, an architecture enthusiast, or simply looking for a one-of-a-kind destination, the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City is a must-see. Walk across a piece of London’s past, enjoy the scenic waterfront and experience the charm of this vibrant desert community. When you visit, you’ll quickly see why so many fall in love with Lake Havasu and why some even decide to stay.
Planning a trip? Let me know . . . I’d love to show you around!
~ Denise Myres
Havasu Homes with Denise
