Have you ever heard the nursery rhyme “London Bridge is falling down”? It’s a classic, but did you know that the famous London Bridge actually ended up in Arizona? Yes, you read that right—Arizona, the desert state in the United States! Let’s dive into this fascinating story.
Back in the early 1800s, the original London Bridge was already over 600 years old. It was a bustling place with houses and shops built on it. However, it was getting old and needed to be replaced. So, a new bridge was built, called the “New London Bridge.”
Fast forward to the 1960s, and the New London Bridge was sinking into the River Thames. The City of London needed to replace it again but didn’t have enough money. That’s when an American businessman named Robert McCulloch stepped in. He offered to buy the bridge, thinking he was getting the famous Tower Bridge. But, as it turns out, he was actually buying the London Bridge!
Despite the mix-up, McCulloch went ahead with the purchase. He had the bridge taken apart and shipped to Lake Havasu City, a town he founded in Arizona. There, he rebuilt it over a concrete frame and even dug a channel underneath to fill with water, making it look like a real bridge again.
Today, the London Bridge stands proudly in Lake Havasu City, Arizona. It’s become the third-biggest tourist attraction in the state. People from all over come to see this piece of history in such an unexpected place.
So, next time you hear “London Bridge is falling down,” remember its incredible journey from England to the Arizona desert!
Research the history of the London Bridge and create a timeline that highlights key events from its original construction to its relocation in Arizona. Use images and brief descriptions to make your timeline visually engaging. This will help you understand the sequence of events and the historical context of the bridge’s journey.
Using a world map, trace the route that the London Bridge took from London to Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Mark important locations and calculate the distance traveled. This activity will give you a geographical perspective on the bridge’s relocation.
In groups, role-play the negotiation between Robert McCulloch and the City of London. One group can represent McCulloch’s team, while the other represents the city officials. Discuss the reasons for selling the bridge and the expectations of both parties. This will help you understand the business and historical aspects of the sale.
Create a brochure that promotes the London Bridge as a tourist attraction in Lake Havasu City. Include historical facts, images, and reasons why people should visit. This activity will enhance your creativity and marketing skills while reinforcing the bridge’s significance as a tourist site.
Imagine you are a journalist in the 1960s covering the story of the London Bridge’s sale and relocation. Write a short story or article from your perspective, including interviews with key figures like Robert McCulloch. This will help you practice your writing skills and deepen your understanding of the event.
London – The capital city of England and the United Kingdom, known for its rich history and cultural landmarks. – Example sentence: London is famous for historical sites like the Tower of London and Buckingham Palace.
Bridge – A structure built to span a physical obstacle, such as a river, valley, or road, for the purpose of providing passage over the obstacle. – Example sentence: The Golden Gate Bridge is an iconic symbol of San Francisco and a marvel of engineering.
Arizona – A state in the southwestern region of the United States, known for its desert climate and the Grand Canyon. – Example sentence: Arizona’s Grand Canyon is one of the most famous natural landmarks in the world.
History – The study of past events, particularly in human affairs. – Example sentence: Learning about the history of ancient civilizations helps us understand how modern societies have developed.
Desert – A barren area of landscape where little precipitation occurs and, consequently, living conditions are hostile for plant and animal life. – Example sentence: The Sahara is the largest hot desert in the world, covering much of North Africa.
River – A large, flowing body of water that usually empties into a sea or ocean. – Example sentence: The Nile River played a crucial role in the development of ancient Egyptian civilization.
City – A large and significant town or urban area, usually with a dense population and many buildings and infrastructure. – Example sentence: New York City is known for its skyscrapers and vibrant cultural scene.
Tourist – A person who travels to a place for pleasure and interest, often to see landmarks and experience different cultures. – Example sentence: Tourists flock to Paris to see the Eiffel Tower and experience French cuisine.
Attraction – A place or feature that draws visitors by providing something of interest or pleasure. – Example sentence: The Colosseum in Rome is a major tourist attraction, drawing millions of visitors each year.
Journey – The act of traveling from one place to another, often involving a long distance or significant experience. – Example sentence: The journey of Lewis and Clark across the American West was a significant exploration of uncharted territory.
