Lake Havasu City, a popular tourist destination in Arizona, is home to the famous London Bridge, which was originally constructed in London, England, in 1831. The bridge was dismantled in 1967 and relocated to Lake Havasu City, where it was reassembled and reopened in 1971. Today, the London Bridge is a major attraction in the city, drawing visitors from all over the world. In this article, we will delve into 12 secrets about the London Bridge that are not widely known.
A Brief History of the London Bridge
The London Bridge has a rich history that spans over 180 years. Originally designed by architect John Rennie, the bridge was constructed in 1831 to replace the medieval London Bridge, which had stood for over 600 years. The new bridge was built using granite and featured five arches, with a length of 928 feet. Over the years, the bridge underwent several modifications, including the addition of new arches and the installation of a new roadway. In 1967, the City of London decided to replace the bridge with a modern, more efficient structure, and the old bridge was put up for sale.
The Relocation of the London Bridge
In 1968, Robert P. McCulloch, an American entrepreneur, purchased the London Bridge for $2.4 million. McCulloch had a vision to create a unique tourist attraction in Lake Havasu City, and he saw the London Bridge as the perfect centerpiece. The bridge was dismantled into over 10,000 pieces and shipped to Lake Havasu City, where it was reassembled over the course of three years. The reassembly process was a complex and challenging task, requiring the expertise of skilled engineers and laborers. Today, the London Bridge stands as a testament to McCulloch’s vision and ingenuity.
The relocation of the London Bridge was not without its challenges. The bridge had to be rebuilt on a new foundation, and the surrounding landscape had to be modified to accommodate the structure. The construction process required the use of specialized equipment and techniques, including the installation of a new drainage system and the construction of a new roadway. Despite these challenges, the London Bridge was successfully reassembled and reopened to the public in 1971.
| Year | Event |
|---|---|
| 1831 | London Bridge originally constructed in London, England |
| 1967 | London Bridge dismantled and sold to Robert P. McCulloch |
| 1968 | London Bridge shipped to Lake Havasu City, Arizona |
| 1971 | London Bridge reassembled and reopened in Lake Havasu City |
Secrets About the London Bridge
Despite its popularity, there are many secrets about the London Bridge that are not widely known. Here are 12 secrets that reveal the fascinating history and construction of the bridge:
Secret 1: The London Bridge is Not the Original Bridge
The London Bridge that stands in Lake Havasu City today is not the original bridge that was constructed in 1831. Over the years, the bridge underwent several modifications, including the addition of new arches and the installation of a new roadway. The original bridge was actually much smaller and featured only three arches.
Secret 2: The Bridge was Rebuilt on a New Foundation
When the London Bridge was relocated to Lake Havasu City, it had to be rebuilt on a new foundation. The new foundation was designed to accommodate the bridge’s weight and to provide stability in the event of an earthquake. The foundation consists of a series of concrete piers that extend deep into the ground.
Secret 3: The Bridge Features a Unique Drainage System
The London Bridge features a unique drainage system that helps to prevent flooding during heavy rainfall. The system consists of a series of channels and pipes that direct water away from the bridge and into the surrounding landscape.
Secret 4: The Bridge is Made of Granite
As mentioned earlier, the London Bridge is constructed using granite from the Scottish Highlands. The use of granite gives the bridge its distinctive appearance and helps to ensure its durability.
Secret 5: The Bridge Has a Rich History
The London Bridge has a rich history that spans over 180 years. The bridge has been the site of many significant events, including the Battle of London Bridge in 1212. Today, the bridge is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world.
Secret 6: The Bridge is Not Just a Bridge
The London Bridge is not just a bridge - it’s also a piece of art. The bridge features a series of intricate carvings and sculptures that reflect its rich history and cultural significance.
Secret 7: The Bridge Has Been Featured in Several Films
The London Bridge has been featured in several films, including the 1968 film “The Italian Job”. The bridge’s unique appearance and rich history make it a popular location for filmmakers.
Secret 8: The Bridge is a Popular Tourist Attraction
Today, the London Bridge is a popular tourist attraction, drawing visitors from all over the world. The bridge offers stunning views of Lake Havasu and the surrounding landscape, making it a must-visit destination for anyone interested in history, architecture, or photography.
Secret 9: The Bridge Has a Unique Architectural Style
The London Bridge features a unique architectural style that reflects its rich history and cultural significance. The bridge’s design is a mix of Gothic and Romanesque styles, with a series of intricate carvings and sculptures that reflect its cultural heritage.
Secret 10: The Bridge is Made of Over 10,000 Pieces
When the London Bridge was relocated to Lake Havasu City, it was dismantled into over 10,000 pieces. The pieces were then reassembled on site, using a combination of traditional and modern construction techniques.
Secret 11: The Bridge Features a Series of Hidden Passages
The London Bridge features a series of hidden passages that were originally used by the bridge’s maintenance crew. Today, the passages are closed to the public, but they remain a fascinating secret about the bridge’s history and construction.
Secret 12: The Bridge is a Testament to Human Ingenuity
Finally, the London Bridge is a testament to human ingenuity and the power of creativity and innovation. The bridge’s relocation and reassembly are a remarkable achievement that reflects the skill and determination of the people involved in the project.
What is the history of the London Bridge?
+The London Bridge has a rich history that spans over 180 years. The bridge was originally constructed in 1831 and was relocated to Lake Havasu City in 1968.
How was the London Bridge relocated to Lake Havasu City?
+The London Bridge was dismantled into over 10,000 pieces and shipped to Lake Havasu City, where it was reassembled over the course of three years.
What are some interesting secrets about the London Bridge?
+Some interesting secrets about the London Bridge include its unique drainage system, its construction using granite, and its rich history and cultural significance.
Is the London Bridge a popular tourist attraction?
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