Robert P. McCulloch, Sr., founder, and C.V. Wood, Jr., master planner, were central to the purchase of London Bridge from the city of London on April 18, 1968, for $2,460,000.00. It then took three years and another $4,500,000.00 to transport and build the bridge, and the grand opening took place on October 10, 1971. A sculpture connected with these founders was created by local artist Lou Hunt with the help of her good friend and assistant Reese Mead.