London Bridge in Lake Havasu, Arizona

It seems an unlikely destination for an old world relic, but the official London Bridge, built in 1831, is indeed, the very same bridge that now resides in Lake Havasu, Arizona. Cited by the Guinness World Book of Records as the world’s largest antique, the famed stone bridge is an important Arizona landmark today. Though it once graced the mighty Thames River, London Bridge has retired to a resort community where it stretches regally over a channel of Lake Havasu.

How Did London Bridge Wind Up in Arizona?

After World War II, traffic on the bridge began to dramatically increase. By 1962, it was evident that the bridge was crumbling into the Thames and was unable to handle the traffic flow over the river. With the London government in financial straits, it needed someone willing to buy the crumbling heirloom and remove it for them. Luckily, the right person came along. Oil man Robert McCulloch, the Chairman of McCulloch Oil Corporation and the founder of Lake Havasu City, Arizona purchased London Bridge for $2,460,000 and paid an additional seven million dollars to have the bridge dismantled, shipped to American and reconstructed in its current location.

The dismantling process was long and tedious; each stone had to be numbered in order to be properly replaced in Arizona. Also, McCulloch strategically had the bridge declared and antique in order to save on taxes for such a monumental purchase. The bridge’s parts were initially shipped to Long Beach, California and then sent on to Lake Havasu. The bridge was finally opened on October 10, 1971 to great enthusiasm.

London Bridge History

Built in 1831, this version of London Bridge is the official structure. However, the Thames saw many versions of the bridge precede it. The first London Bridge was Roman-made in 43 AD. Subsequent bridges were destroyed by invaders or fire. The 1831 model actually featured bridge lamps that were made from the melted down cannons of Napoleon’s army, so it has considerable historical appeal. The granite bridge graced the ancient Thames for more than a century and was a beloved London landmark.

London Bridge Today

London Bridge currently sits across a boating channel off Lake Havasu. It is a major tourist attraction as one might expect. The bridge is 950 feet long and weights more than thirty tons. As a fitting backdrop for the bridge, the town put up a mini Tudor village complete with many Tudor-style structures that house various shops. As a popular resort town, there is much to see and do in Lake Havasu, but no visitor should miss a chance to drive or take a stroll across the famed London Bridge. For more information also see Lake Havasu London Bridge.

Getting There.

Lake Havasu City AZ is located on the shores of both Arizona and California. It is about 150 miles from Las Vegas, 208 miles from Phoenix, 307 miles from Los Angeles and 313 miles from San Diego.

Directions From Phoenix. Take I-10 West. Take Exit 19 marked Parker/Yuma to AZ 95 North. Continue on AZ 95 until you arrive in Lake Havasu City.

Directions From Las Vegas. Take US 93 south to Kingman Arizona. Then take I-40 to Arizona 95 south to Lake Havasu City which is about 60 miles from Kingman.

Map To Lake Havasu City
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