1940's Catalina Island History

A timeline of the history of Catalina Island in the 1940's.

1940
Construction of Catalina Airport began

1941
After Pearl Harbor was bombed in 1941, most of the island's residents left and Catalina became a military base and training camp. It's hotels were used as housing barracks for merchant marines. Soldiers learned tactics in simulated war zones, swam through oil fires in the ocean.

1942
The United States declared war and Catalina Island was officially closed to visitors. Avalon was used ny the U.S. Maritime Service as a training station.

1946
Construction of Catalina Airport completed

1948
Isthmus renamed "Two Harbors"

Resources

- Wikipedia "History of Catalina Island" Article

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Timeline of Catalina Island History

Catalina Island Travel Guide

California for Visitors

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