Wrigley Memorial

Avalon, California, United States

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The Wrigley Memorial in Avalon, California, stands as a tribute to William Wrigley Jr., the chewing gum magnate who purchased most of Catalina Island in 1919 and developed it into a popular tourist destination.

The memorial, built between 1933 and 1934 by his wife Ada, features a distinctive 80-foot tower constructed mainly from island-sourced materials, including local stone and colorful tiles made by the Catalina Pottery Company.

It originally served as Wrigley's final resting place, although his remains were later moved to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale; his original grave marker remains at the site. The memorial is located at the top of Avalon Canyon and offers breathtaking panoramic views of Avalon Bay and the Pacific Ocean.

Surrounding the memorial is the 38-acre botanic garden, which was established by Ada Wrigley to showcase native and exotic desert plants, many endemic to Catalina Island. The gardens provide a peaceful natural setting reflecting the island's unique flora and are a popular destination for visitors seeking both history and horticultural beauty.​