Information about the history of Catalina Island
in Southern California.
Owners of Catalina Island
1846-1850: Thomas M. Robbins
1850: Jose Maria Covarrubias
1867-1887: James Lick
1887-1892: George Shatto
1892-1919: Banning Family
1919-1972: Wrigley Familyu
1972: Catalina Island Conservancy
Historic Figures of Catalina
David F. Blankenhorn (1886-1969) | Blankenhorn and Hunter Real Estate Firm |
Etta Marilla Whitney | named the town of Avalon |
George Rufus Shatto (1850-1893)| bought Catalina Island in 1887 |
Hancock Banning (1865-1925) | son of Phineas Banning |
James Lick (1796-1876)
Jose Maria Covarrubias (1809-1870)
Joseph Brent Banning (1861-1920) | son of Phineas Banning |
Philip Knight Wrigley (1894-1977) | son of William Wrigley, Jr. |
Phineas Banning (1830-1885) | father of the 3 Banning brothers |
Robert E. Hunter | Blankenhorn and Hunter Real Estate Firm |
Thomas M. Robbins (1801-1854)
William Banning (1858-1945) | son of Phineas Banning |
William Wrigley III (1933-1999)
William Wrigley, Jr. (1861-1932)
More About Catalina History
George Shatto
bought the island in 1887 for $200.000. He built the original
Metropole Hotel and Steamer Pier. He also auctioned off Avalon
lots for $150 to $2,000. Due to financial difficulties,
Shatto defaulted on his loans and lost the island to
the Banning Brothers in 1891.
Bannning Brothers
Catalina Chamber "Catalina History" Article"
Article with information about the Native Americans of Catalina
Island, Spanish discovery of the island, otter
hunters, smugglers, the Mexican land grant,
and ranching, mining, and military occupation
of Catalinal Also includes a historic timeline
of Catalina Island. Published on the official
Web site of the Catalina Island Chamber of Commerce
and Visitors Bureau.
LA County Library "Catalina Community History" Article
Catalina Chamber "Catalina's Hollywood History" Article
Catalina Chamber "Catalina Historic Landmarks" Article
Catalina Island Company History
Catalina Island Community History
Catalina Island Travel Guide
California for Visitors