Lake Havasu City

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Founded: 1963
Location: West Central Arizona
Population: 26,000
Much of Lake Havasu's prominence and exponential growth can be attributed to the dream of oil millionaire Robert P. McCulloch. In 1963 he purchased 16,000 acres on Lake Havasu and began building a town in the middle of a desolate sand and sagebrush desert. Situated between some of the fastest growing cities in the U.S. (Las Vegas and Phoenix, the 3rd and 10th fastest growing cities respectively), McCulloch knew Lake Havasu was in good company for growth.

What was needed was a little catalyst to inspire interest in the area. In 1968 McCulloch purchased the London Bridge from England for an estimated $2.5 million to do just that. McCulloch invested another $7 million to dismantle each stone of the bridge which was marked and transported from London to Lake Havasu to promote his new city. After three years of placing thousands of tons of granite blocks together, the 1831 London Bridge was finally reconstructed at Havasu. Today it stands as a monument to American entrepreneurialism and dreams of some that actually do become realities.



 

AZ, Lake Havasu City, London Bridge (then, a 1972 photo note there is nothing but desert sand in the background that is now filled with homes, trees, office buildings and restaurants.

The London Bridge has turned out to be one of the cities greatest promotions. A thriving tourist and retirement center is being realized where there had once been only endless stretches of barren desert. Reminiscent of the days when Henry Flagler turned the mosquito infested swampland of Miami into a mecca for tourists along Florida's eastern "Gold Coast". Flagler's vehicle to fame and fortune was the Florida Eastcoast Railroad. Movies will probably be made of these men, their dreams, and the determination that turned their visions into reality.

photo courtesy AZ Office of Tourism

AZ, Lake Havasu City, London Bridge (and now, 2002 photos depicting the transformation of a barren desert into a bustling community

Adjacent to Lake Havasu City is the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge. An giant oasis for many migrating birds and waterfowl traveling through the desert. Red cliffs rising hundreds of feet line the Colorado River's emerald waters. Providing a spectacular backdrop for the parade of life that flourishes here. The name "Havasu" originates from an Indian word meaning blue-green waters. Walk through the cottonwoods that line the floodplain of the Colorado and be mesmerized by its tranquil beauty. Canadian geese arrive in November and winter here through February. Bald eagles and hawks can usually be found amidst these geese. Hundreds of other birds also make this refuge a home in winter. Along with such larger mammals as Bighorn sheep, coyotes, gray foxes, and wild burros who live in the more remote sections of the refuge.

AZ, Lake Havasu.

Adjacent to the Havasu National Wildlife Refuge is the Lake Havasu State Park. A boater's paradise and the largest of Arizona's 25 State Parks. Stretching 30 miles along the shore of Lake Havasu which contains some of the finest fishing in the Southwest. A deep water lake stocked with largemouth bass, catfish, and striped bass. Its numerous coves and inlets providing fisherman with ideal conditions to test their skills. Rock collectors will also find geodes, jaspers, obsidian, and agate deposits nearby.

The State Park's two campgrounds include the boater's Cattail Cove campground with 225 sites located 15 miles south of the city. It has over 150 boat access only campsites along the shore of Lake Havasu. The Windsor Beach unit has 132 regular campsites and is located off Rt 95 one mile from the London Bridge in Lake Havasu City. Both campgrounds have showers, electrical hookups, boat ramps, boat rentals, and marinas. Numerous other private campgrounds are located nearby. Lake Havasu State Park, 1801 Hwy 95, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86406, (520) 855-2784. Lake Havasu City Visitors Bureau, 1930 Mesquite Avenue, Lake Havasu City, AZ 86403 (800) 242-8278 www.pr.state.az.us/Parks/parkhtml/havasu.html/havasu.html

AZ, Lake Havasu State Park



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All text and photos copyright ©1994-2006 Charles A. Read and ScenicUS.
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