1820's
1820
The Spanish territory of "New Spain" revolted and became
Mexico in 1820, and California became a province of Mexico.
1840's
1846
In 1846, shortly before the United States assumed control of California and
its islands, Mexico's governor Pio Pico granted ownership of the island to
Thomas M. Robbins (1801-1854), a private citizen, as a Mexican land grant.
Ownership of the island changed hands several times
in the 1800's ad 1900's before it was purchased by the Wrigley family.
1860's
1863
Prospectors arrived on Catalina and they began
mining for silver on the west end of the island.
1864
Union soldiers from Fort Drum in Wilmington arrived on
Catalina to determine its suitability as a reservation
for Native Americans.
That year
Civil War Barracks were built at Two Harbors.
Today they are the the home of the Isthmus Yacht Club
1867
James Lick of San Francisco purchased (most or all) of
Catalina Island in 1867. He evicted all of the island's
miners and squatters who were not willing to lease
land from him.
1880's
1887
The first hotel (Hotel Metropole) and the first pier were built on Catalina Island
1888
Oldest house still standing was built no the west side of Avalon
1889
First church was built: Avalon Community Church
1890
Peter Gano built "Lookout House", now known as "Holly Hill House"
1890's
1892
Banning brothers build 3 hole golf course, later expanded to 9 holes,
and later a tennis court was added.
1894
The Banning Brothers established the Santa Catalina Island Company,
today known as the Catalina Island Company. They began operating
stagecoach tours of the interior of the island.
1898
Avalon Tuna Club, a sportfishing club, was established.
More About 1800's Catalina
Settlers on Catalina Island raised sheep and cattle in the mid 1800's,
and ranching on Catalina continued until the mid 1950s.
In the late 1880s owner George Shatto embarked on a campaign to turn
Catalina Island into a tourist destination, planning and building the
town of Avalon as the focal point of the island and hub of this activity.
Catalina spots named after early "squatters" or settlers who
began ranching sheep and cattle on land to whcih they did not
officially hold the title:
- Ben Weston Beach
- Gallaghers Beach
- Howlands Landing
- Johnsons Landing
Resources
-
Islapedia "Santa Catalina Island 1887-1915" Article
-
Catalina Chamber "Ranching, Mining, and Military on Catalina" Article
-
Catalina Chamber "Smugglers on Catalina" Article
-
LA County Library "Catalina Island Community History" Article
-
Wikipedia "History of Catalina Island" Article
Timeline of Catalina Island History
Catalina Island Travel Guide
California for Visitors
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