In a move that defies all logic and architectural norms, Lake Havasu City proudly stands as the guardian of the “genuine” London Bridge, which, by the way, came with a hefty price tag of $2.46 million back in 1971, equivalent to a jaw-dropping $16.6 million in today’s money. When you think of British landmarks, your mind naturally wanders to the sprawling deserts of Arizona.

But wait, there’s more! The total cost, including transportation and reconstruction, soared to an impressive $7 million in 1971 – a sum that translates to an eye-watering $47 million in today’s dollars. Nothing says fiscal responsibility like investing in a bridge that’s more than just a bridge; it’s a statement.

Now, you might be asking, “Why on earth did they sell the London Bridge to Lake Havasu City?” 

Well, the story goes that the city of London, finding its historical bridge a bit worse for wear, decided it was time for an upgrade. In a moment of unparalleled generosity, they decided to sell their iconic bridge to the highest bidder, and Lake Havasu City, with its impeccable taste and a truckload of cash, happily took the bait.

So, back in the not-so-ancient year of 1971, when bell-bottoms were all the rage and the world was coming down with disco fever, the citizens of Lake Havasu City thought, “Why not import a piece of London history to our little corner of the American Southwest?” Because nothing complements cacti like a touch of British sophistication, especially when you’ve got a couple of million dollars burning a hole in your pocket.

This brilliant idea to transport a centuries-old bridge across the Atlantic wasn’t a result of last-minute decision-making, it was a carefully calculated move. Local authorities, known for their impeccable taste in urban planning and financial acumen, decided that the picturesque Colorado River needed a more refined companion – enter the London Bridge, brought to you by the magic of a $2.46 million price tag.

Tourists now flock to Lake Havasu City, drawn by the irresistible charm of a displaced British bridge in the middle of the desert – $7 million well spent, or so they say. 

And in case you were wondering, yes, the bridge is made up of authentic London bricks. Because when it comes to preserving history, what’s a few thousand miles and an ocean between friends, especially when you’ve got a budget to match?

So, if you find yourself yearning for the sophistication of London but can’t quite manage the airfare, fear not! Lake Havasu City is here to fulfill your wildest architectural dreams.