|
|
|
Lake Havasu City: Lesson in History
Lake Havasu is a relatively new city. In the early 20th century, there used to be a mining town near the area where Lake Havasu City is now. The area started to get populated when the Parker Dam harnessing the power of the Colorado River was built and completed in 1938 for the benefit of the residents of Mohave County.
Lake Havasu City was established in 1963 by Robert P. McCulloch (of McCulloch Chainsaws). As the story goes, he was flying over the Southwest looking for a motor testing site. He spotted the abandoned Army Air Corps landing strip in the Lake Havasu area, which was established during World War II. Finding the place suitable, he purchased the land and started building a city.
The total land purchased for Lake Havasu City was 16,630 acres. There are 47 miles of shoreline in this land area. Perhaps due to the city's waterfront location, McCulloch also thought of buying Britain's London Bridge when it was discovered to be sinking into the Thames River in 1968. He succeeded in making the bid, allowing the bridge to be moved and reconstructed in Lake Havasu City. The London Bridge is now the most popular tourist attraction in the area.
Lake Havasu started as a planned community, designed as a city with a balanced economy based on 40% light industries, 40% resort and recreation, and 20% commercial services. Today it is one of the more successful and self-supporting cities in Mohave County and the whole of Arizona.
back...
|
|
|
|
