At the end of the Mexican War in 1848, the island was bought by Californian Thomas Robbins of Santa Barbara, purportedly in exchange for a silver saddle. A few years later, a brief mining boom came to the island that ended with the occupation by Union troops in 1863. Although visitors made it to the island in the late 1800s, Wrigley's purchase led the island on its path to a tourist destination and a preserve. Most of the island's interior and 48 miles of coastline were placed in the control of Catalina Island Conservancy in 1975. Bison, which were originally brought to the island in 1924 for the filming of Grey's novel The Vanishing American, can be seen, as well as wild goats, wild pigs and deer.
Snorkeling is also a popular activity.
The island has been touted as one of the top destinations in North America and Casino Point Marine Park, just offshore from the Casino, is an underwater city park. For those who don't dive, glass-bottom boat and submarine tours are available. In recent years, there has been an effort to replant native grasses and trees and to reintroduce the bald eagle. If we make a return trip, we would be tempted to stay at Two Harbors, an isthmus 14 miles from Avalon. The rustic village has an inn, a general store and a restaurant, and is popular with hikers and mountain bikers.