Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden commemorates William Wrigley, Jr. and shares the story behind one of Catalina Island’s historic landmarks.

Wrigley Memorial

Set near the top of Avalon Canyon on Catalina Island, the Wrigley Memorial stands at the heart of the Catalina Island Conservancy's Botanic Garden. Rising 80 foot, the memorial pays tribute to William Wrigley, Jr., who acquired an interest in Catalina Island in 1919. The Botanic Garden originated with Mrs. Ada Wrigley, William Wrigley, Jr.’s wife. Spread across 38 acres, the garden focuses especially on California island endemic plants.

William Wrigley, Jr. died in 1932 at the age of 70. He is widely remembered as the founder of the Wrigley Company, the maker of Wrigley Chewing Gum, and as the owner of the Chicago Cubs and Wrigley Field. After gaining controlling interest in Catalina Island in 1919, Wrigley envisioned developing the island into a world class destination that future generations could enjoy. Following his death, Ada commissioned the Wrigley Memorial. The Chicago architecture firm Bennett, Parsons and Frost designed it, and construction took place between 1933-34. Whenever possible, materials were obtained from Catalina Island itself, including rock from the Pebbly Beach Quarry, blue flagstones from Little Harbor, and colorful handmade tiles made by the Catalina Pottery Co.

William Wrigley, Jr. was interred at the memorial briefly. During WWII, his remains were relocated to Forest Lawn Cemetery in Glendale, CA. Visitors can still see Wrigley’s original burial marker beneath the memorial’s arch. In 1935, once the Memorial was finished, Ada Wrigley created the Botanic Gardens on the land below it.

The Wrigley Memorial and Botanic Garden sits 1.5 miles up Avalon Canyon from Avalon Harbor and welcomes visitors daily, except on Thanksgiving and Christmas.