Over the years, London, a city steeped in history and iconic structures, has been home to countless noteworthy bridges.
The sale of a London Bridge to America was one of the most exciting stories that captivated the world.
As strange as it may sound, this uncanny occurrence actually took place. In this article, we’ll go into the past to learn more about the bridge that was sold across the Atlantic.
Contents
- 1 What Is The Background Of London Bridges?
- 2 What Prompted The Decision To Replace London’s Historic Bridge?
- 3 Who Was Responsible For Designing The New London Bridge?
- 4 When Did The New London Bridge Open, And What Features Did It Have?
- 5 How Did The Story About The London Bridge Being Sold To America Start?
- 6 What Was The Process Of Selling The Old London Bridge?
- 7 Where In America Was The London Bridge Reassembled?
- 8 What Prompted Robert P. Mcculloch To Purchase The London Bridge?
- 9 What Happened To London’s Original London Bridge Site?
- 10 Conclusion
What Is The Background Of London Bridges?
To comprehend the saga of the London Bridge sold to America, it is necessary to first investigate the history of London’s bridges.
The original London Bridge dates back to Roman times, and several variations have been built and restored since then.
The most famous medieval form was constructed between 1176 and 1209 and served as a dominant landmark for generations.
However, by the nineteenth century, this landmark edifice had deteriorated dramatically.
What Prompted The Decision To Replace London’s Historic Bridge?
The historic London Bridge’s structural integrity had deteriorated significantly as a result of its age and rising traffic demands.
Furthermore, the bridge’s tiny arches created a bottleneck for the burgeoning city, resulting in frequent congestion and accidents.
To meet the needs of contemporary transportation and a rising population, the decision to rebuild the medieval London Bridge was made in the early nineteenth century.
Who Was Responsible For Designing The New London Bridge?
The renowned architect John Rennie was tasked with creating the new London Bridge.
Rennie was a prominent person of his time, having designed several important structures throughout the United Kingdom.
His design for the new London Bridge had a more modern and sturdy construction, allowing for improved traffic flow and navigation.
When Did The New London Bridge Open, And What Features Did It Have?
The new London Bridge was built beginning in 1824 and took eight years to finish. On August 1, 1831, it was officially opened to the public.
The rebuilt bridge was an engineering wonder, spanning the Thames with five brick arches and supporting pedestrian walkways on either side.
Its design allowed for a wider roadway to meet the growing traffic as well as a more attractive aspect than its medieval forerunner.
How Did The Story About The London Bridge Being Sold To America Start?
A series of misconceptions led to the story of the London Bridge being sold to America.
The City of London was faced with the toughest task of replacing the ancient London Bridge once more in the 1960s.
They decided to sell the old bridge, which had grown obsolete, to assist fund the construction of a more contemporary structure.
What Was The Process Of Selling The Old London Bridge?
An auction was held in 1968 to sell the historic London Bridge. An American entrepreneur called Robert P. McCulloch put in the winning bid of $2,460,000.
The purchase price also included dismantling and shipping the bridge to its new location in the United States.
Where In America Was The London Bridge Reassembled?
Contrary to common opinion, Robert P. McCulloch had no intention of rebuilding the London Bridge in a renowned place such as New York City or Los Angeles.
Instead, he chose Lake Havasu metropolis, a growing Arizona metropolis, as the bridge’s new home.
The Bridgewater Channel, a man-made waterway that connected Lake Havasu to the Colorado River, was used to reassemble the bridge.
What Prompted Robert P. Mcculloch To Purchase The London Bridge?
A smart marketing approach drove Robert P. McCulloch’s decision to purchase the London Bridge.
He views the bridge as a phenomenal attraction that could bring tourists to Lake Havasu City, increasing its visibility and economic potential.
McCulloch’s ambition was realized, as the London Bridge became a popular tourist attraction, and Lake Havasu City developed as a result.
What Happened To London’s Original London Bridge Site?
After the old London Bridge was sold and demolished, the original site was renovated to accommodate a modern structure that still exists today.
The current London Bridge, inaugurated in 1972, is a utilitarian and less ornamental construction intended for modern traffic demands.
Conclusion
The story of the London Bridge being sold to America is interesting, combining history, engineering, and the entrepreneurial spirit.
This famous structure’s journey from its medieval roots to its new home in Lake Havasu City, Arizona, exemplifies human ingenuity and the enduring fascination with beautiful historical landmarks.
While the bridge no longer spans London’s River Thames, its legacy lives on, attracting visitors from all over the world and reminding us of the interconnectivity of global history and culture.