You’re probably familiar with the nursery rhyme “London Bridge is Falling Down.” The song refers to a bridge over the River Thames, originally built during medieval times. That bridge was demolished and replaced by the “New London Bridge” in 1831, which served for over 130 years until, ironically, it began sinking into the Thames. In an unexpected twist, an American businessman and inventor bought the bridge in 1968 and moved it to Lake Havasu, Arizona.

The Visionary Robert P. McCulloch

Robert Paxton McCulloch, born in 1911, was an ambitious entrepreneur with many talents and big ideas. Best known for his work in the small-engine industry, McCulloch founded McCulloch Motors Corporation in 1943. His company gained fame by introducing the first lightweight, one-man chainsaw in 1949, revolutionizing the logging industry. Over time, McCulloch expanded his ventures to include engines for go-karts and outboard motors, making him a major name in small engine innovation.

Interestingly, McCulloch’s family ties added to the competitive dynamic in his industry. Stephen Foster Briggs, his father-in-law, co-founded Briggs & Stratton, one of McCulloch’s primary competitors in the small-engine market.

McCulloch was also an early innovator in aviation and developed experimental helicopter engines, further cementing his status as a bold thinker who pushed boundaries across industries.

London Bridge’s Move to the Desert

By the mid-20th century, the iconic London Bridge was sinking under the strain of modern traffic. In 1967, the city of London put the bridge up for sale rather than demolishing it, hoping someone would preserve this historic structure. McCulloch, at the time developing Lake Havasu City in the Arizona desert, saw this as the perfect opportunity to attract attention to his growing community.

In 1968, he purchased the bridge for $2.46 million, then had it meticulously dismantled, with each stone numbered for reassembly. The stones were shipped across the Atlantic and transported to Arizona. Rebuilding the bridge was a monumental task that took three years and cost an additional $7 million. McCulloch even had a canal dredged beneath the bridge to mimic the original setting over the Thames.

What might have seemed like a bizarre idea turned out to be a stroke of genius. The relocation of the bridge brought national attention to Lake Havasu City, transforming what was once an isolated stretch of desert into a bustling tourist destination. McCulloch’s gamble paid off as the bridge attracted tourists and new residents alike. Today, Lake Havasu City has grown from a few hundred residents in the 1960s to more than 50,000.

A Visionary’s Lasting Legacy

Robert McCulloch’s purchase and relocation of the London Bridge is often regarded as one of the greatest publicity stunts in American history. Yet, it was more than that—it demonstrated McCulloch’s unique ability to merge business innovation with historical preservation. His bold vision turned an empty desert into a thriving community, with the London Bridge as its centerpiece. Today, the bridge stands as a testament to McCulloch’s legacy, attracting visitors from around the world and cementing Lake Havasu as a destination that’s truly one-of-a-kind.

A recent photo of the London Bridge: