London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona is one of the most unusual historic landmarks in the United States. Sitting in the middle of the Arizona desert, this famous bridge once crossed the River Thames in London, England. Today, it’s one of Arizona’s most popular attractions and a fascinating piece of relocated history. Here are five interesting facts about how the London Bridge ended up in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, USA.
1. The Bridge Really Did Come from London
Many visitors assume the bridge in Lake Havasu is a replica, but it’s actually the original London Bridge built in the 1830s. Designed by British engineer John Rennie, the bridge opened in 1831 and served as a major crossing over the River Thames for more than a century.
By the 1960s, however, London Bridge was struggling to handle modern traffic. The heavy weight of vehicles was causing the bridge to slowly sink into the riverbed. To solve the problem, the City of London decided to build a new bridge and sell the historic one instead of demolishing it.
2. A Visionary Developer Bought the Bridge
American entrepreneur Robert P. McCulloch, founder of McCulloch Oil Company and developer of Lake Havasu City, purchased the bridge in 1968 for $2.46 million.
At the time, Lake Havasu City was a newly developed community in Arizona, and McCulloch wanted a unique attraction that would bring attention to the area. His plan was to relocate the bridge to Arizona and make it the centerpiece of the city.
The bold idea worked. The London Bridge quickly became a national curiosity and helped transform Lake Havasu City into a well-known tourist destination.
3. The Bridge Was Dismantled and Shipped Piece by Piece
Moving an entire bridge across the world was no small task. Engineers carefully dismantled the structure stone by stone, labeling each granite block with a number so it could be rebuilt in the correct place later.
The stones were then shipped from England through the Panama Canal to California before being transported to Arizona. Once the materials arrived in Lake Havasu City, workers spent several years reconstructing the bridge.
Although the original granite stones were reused, the bridge was rebuilt around a modern reinforced concrete structure to support contemporary traffic. The reconstructed London Bridge officially opened in its new location in 1971.
4. The Tower Bridge Mix-Up Is Just a Myth
One of the most popular stories about the London Bridge claims that Robert P. McCulloch thought he was buying London’s Tower Bridge, the famous bridge with tall towers often seen in postcards and movies.
According to the legend, McCulloch supposedly realized his mistake only after the bridge arrived in Arizona.
However, historians have repeatedly debunked this claim. McCulloch and his team knew exactly which bridge they were purchasing. Tower Bridge was never for sale and was far more complicated to transport. The simpler granite London Bridge was the logical choice.
The myth likely started because many people outside the UK mistakenly assume Tower Bridge is the London Bridge.
5. The Centerpiece of Lake Havasu City, Arizona
Today, the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City, Arizona connects Lake Havasu City’s mainland to an island that hosts shops, restaurants, and waterfront attractions. Visitors can walk across the historic structure, explore the nearby English Village , and enjoy scenic views of Lake Havasu.
The bridge has become one of the most photographed landmarks in Arizona and continues to draw visitors from around the world who want to see this incredible piece of history in an unexpected location. If you're planning a day trip from Phoenix or Scottsdale, Lake Havasu City is just a scenic drive away and easy to explore in a single day.
Visit bellapalazzo.com to learn more and start planning your Arizona adventure.
