15 Facts about the London Bridge, Lake Havasu City
Ashley | 15 - 09 - 2021
Updated: September 15, 2021 11:00 pm IST
The London Bridge, Lake Havasu City is a famous tourist attraction because the city is a mini London in America. Do you know why the London Bridge, Lake Havasu built in the 1830s was moved from the Thames to Arizona?
Find out fifteen interesting historical facts about its initial construction on the Thames and fascinating facts and incidents that took place during its reconstruction in AZ. Get to know if America was duped into buying a weak bridge by the U.K.
Play this quiz to discover the myths surrounding the London Bridge’s reconstruction and know whether it collapsed.
1. Who Built the London Bridge?
John Rennie the Elder was a Scottish civil engineer famous for using cast iron. He designed the London Bridge. Following his death, his sons John Jr and George Rennie began constructing it.
2. Where Is London Bridge Located?
The London Bridge built on the River Thames, London was dismantled and moved to Arizona, rebuilt on Lake Havasu in 1968.
3. What Type of Bridge Is the Lake Havasu London Bridge?
The Original London Bridge was made from more than 11000 tons of steel of Cornish Granite, Portland Stone. America added 70,000 tonnes of concrete to make it more stable.
4. How Much Did America Pay for London Bridge?
Robert P. McCollouch paid $2.46 million to purchase the London Bridge from the British government and many citizens mistook that McCollouch had originally intended to buy the Tower Bridge.
5. How Old Is the London Bridge in Lake Havasu?
The original London Bridge from the nursery rhymes was built of wood and stones, it lasted for 600 years. The modern bridge constructed in 1831 was moved to Arizona 50 years ago.
6. When Did the London Bridge Collapse?
The London Bridge was initially built for pedestrians and local transportation. The bridge went weak after heavy vehicles began cruising through it. The London government sold it via auction to America.
7. Who Wrote the Song “London Bridge Is Falling Down”?
The song was written about the old London Bridge that was destroyed after the Viking leader Olaf Haraldson invaded the British Isles, killing many people in the act.
8. Why Was the London Bridge in Arizona Moved?
McCullouch acquired the strip of land standing behind Lake Havasu from the federal government with the promise to commercialize it. McCullouch’s real estate agent, Robert Plumer, suggested buying the bridge.
9. Did the London Bridge Make Lake Havasu Famous?
Real estate boomed in the deserted Lake Havasu city after the London Bridge was built there in 1971 by Sundt Constructions. People showed interest as the bridge made commuting from the city easy.
10. When Was the London Bridge AZ Built?
The London Bridge was reconstructed to its original glory with a stronger foundation in 1971. Sir Gilbert Inglefield, Lord Mayor of London relaid the foundation stone on 23rd September 1968.
11. How Was the London Bridge Moved to America?
Each stone of the bridge was marked before dismantling and was shipped on a new ship that was preparing to sail cargoless from the U.K. to the U.S. This helped in lowering the cost of transportation.
12. What Did the Original English Village Have?
The Lake Havasu City Convention & Visitors Bureau converted the English Village’s open-air mall into Condos in 2011 and is currently owned by Virtual Reality Enterprises.
13. Is the London Bridge and Tower Bridge the Same?
The Tower Bridge is a famous suspension bridge in London standing on the River Thames. It was built to aid the increased traffic in a neo-gothic style after the original London Bridge was sold to America.
14. How Many Pop Culture Films/Series Were Shot on London Bridge?
Psychological thriller Olivia, supernatural crime drama, Bridge Across Time, Million Dollar Mystery, and Ghost Adventures were famous films and series shot on the bridge.
15. What Is Famous in Lake Havasu City?
Lake Havasu City is built to entertain tourists through its heritage museums, cool water bodies, the famous bridge, and other fun sporting activities that give the ultimate English holiday experience.
