San Pedro near Los Angeles in Los Angeles County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)
Santa Catalina Island
About 25 miles west of here, across the channel, lies Santa Catalina Island, which can be seen distinctly on a clear day.
Santa Catalina Island, originally named San Salvador by Juan Rodriguez Cabrillo in 1542, was later visited by Sebastian Vizcaino, who reported on the friendly Indians living there. It is estimated that about 3,000 Indians lived there during the 16th century.
During the mid-19th century, the island was exploited by silver mining interests and opened to cattle ranching. The Banning brothers developed the city of Avalon and the Two Harbors area, at the Isthmus, as resorts before the turn of the century.
The island was sold by the Bannings to the Wrigley company in 1918. In 1975, in order to protect both the land and the wildlife, 86% of the island was given by the Wrigleys to the Santa Catalina Island Conservancy for operation and preservation.
Erected 1997 by County of Los Angeles.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Agriculture • Exploration • Industry & Commerce • Settlements & Settlers. A significant historical year for this entry is 1542.
Location. 33° 42.947′ N, 118° 19.062′ W. Marker is near Los Angeles, California , in Los Angeles County. It is in San Pedro. Marker is on West Paseo Del Mar, 0.2 miles east of Western Avenue, on the right when traveling east. Located on the bluff overlooking White Point Beach. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 1599 W Paseo Del Mar, San Pedro CA 90732, United States of America. Touch for directions.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 2 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies. Catalina Channel (within shouting distance of this marker); White Point Nature Preserve (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); White Point Fountain (about 300 feet away); White Point Nike Missile Site (about 400 feet away); Royal Palms County Beach (about 500 feet away); Japanese Americans at White Point (about 500 feet away); Battery Osgood-Farley Historic Site (approx. 1.3 miles away); Korean Friendship Bell (approx. 1.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Los Angeles.
Related marker. Click here for another marker that is related to this marker. — Santa Catalina Island.
Credits. This page was last revised on February 7, 2023. It was originally submitted on March 29, 2020. This page has been viewed 181 times since then and 12 times this year. Last updated on August 28, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on March 29, 2020, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. • J. Makali Bruton was the editor who published this page.