First legal owner of Santa Catalina Island

After the Mexican American war, the last Mexican Governor of California, Pio Pico took refuge at the home of Thomas Robbins in Santa Barbara. Governor Pio Pico deeded Santa Catalina Island to Thomas Robbins who became the first American owner of Santa Catalina Island. Thomas Robbins acquired Santa Catalina Island for cattle ranching on July 4, 1846.

Sale of Santa Catalina Island

In 1850 Thomas Robbins sold Santa Catalina Island to Don Jose Maria Covarrubias for $10,000 who in turn sold Santa Catalina Island to Albert Packard of San Francisco for $1,000 on October 13, 1853.

Civil War use of Santa Catalina Island

During the Civil War, a troop of Union soldiers camped on Santa Catalina Island for 9 months in 1864. Mining began on Santa Catalina Island in 1863 - 1864. The Union troops built barracks which are still standing today at Tow Harbors.

The birth of Santa Catalina Island as a vacation town and resort 1887

In 1887, George Shatto bought Santa Catalina Island for $200,000. George Shatto started to build a vacation town which is now Avalon. A hotel was built and transportation came into existence. Vacationers started to visit Santa Catalina Island to camp, sail, and spend the summer. However, George Shatto met with financial difficulties and Santa Catalina Island was again sold at a Sheriff auction to the  highest bidder. The highest bidders were the Banning brothers, Judge Joseph, Captain William and Hancock Banning.

In 1894, the Bannings founded the Santa Catalina Island Company, which was devoted to the future development of Santa Catalina Island as a major tourist resort.

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