The history of famous Preston Castle.

Found among the rolling hills of Ione, California, Preston Castle stands out from its surroundings with its towering turrets and weathered brick facade. It’s the most stunning example of Romanesque Revival architecture in California’s Gold Country, making it easily discernible from other buildings of the same era. The building’s history and striking exterior have earned it a place on both the list of California’s Historical Landmarks and the National Register of Historic Places.

Preston Castle’s rich history, combined with today’s paranormal activity and ghost tours, makes it one of the most fun things to do in Ione, CA.

Preston Castle’s history begins in the late 1800s when California faced a growing challenge with juvenile delinquency. Young boys were often sent to adult prisons, where their exposure to hardened criminals meant there was little chance of real reform. Concerned lawmakers and reformers saw a need for a different approach that emphasized education, discipline, and skill-building over punishment.

That’s when state senator Edward Myers Preston stepped in to champion the creation of a new type of institution that would be focused on reforming rather than incarcerating young boys. His efforts led to the establishment of the Preston School of Industry in 1890. Construction of the main building, now famously known as Preston Castle, began shortly thereafter, and the school officially opened its doors in 1894.

At the time, the castle featured amenities and technologies that were not widely available. With modern conveniences such as electric lighting, indoor plumbing, and a well-equipped kitchen, it stood in stark contrast to the rough conditions of many public institutions of the era. Even many private homes lacked the types of features that were common at Preston Castle.

Its new approach to dealing with troubled youth, combined with its dramatic architecture, made the school famous right from the beginning.

The mission of the Preston School of Industry was clear: to turn troubled boys into productive members of society. Boys who were sent there, many for petty crimes or as wards of the state, were given structure, education, and vocational training. The school operated farms, workshops, and classrooms where the boys learned trades like carpentry, blacksmithing, and agriculture.

Many of the young men who passed through Preston went on to lead stable, productive lives, crediting the school for giving them a second chance. However, not all experiences were positive. Over the years, stories emerged of harsh discipline and rigid routines. While the intention was rehabilitation, the reality could be far more complex. The school faced criticisms for overcrowding, understaffing, and inconsistent leadership.

Despite these issues, Preston remained an important part of California’s juvenile justice system for much of the 20th century. Its model of structured rehabilitation influenced other institutions across the state and country.

By the mid-1900s, the world of juvenile justice was changing. New research in psychology and child development shifted the focus away from large institutional settings and toward community-based alternatives. As this new thinking took hold, the need for massive institutions like the Preston Castle reform school began to decline.

In 1960, the original castle building was closed and replaced by more modern facilities nearby. Though the Preston School of Industry continued to operate into the early 2000s, the iconic castle itself was left vacant. Years of abandonment took their toll, with the building slowly falling into disrepair. What was once a beacon of reform became no more than a haunting relic of the past.

In 1980, Preston Castle in Ione was added to the National Register of Historic Places, a designation that recognized both its architectural beauty and historical significance. This milestone marked the beginning of a new chapter for the building.

Efforts to save and restore the castle gained momentum in 2001, when the Preston Castle Foundation was formed. The nonprofit group took over stewardship of the property and began raising funds, hosting tours, and organizing restoration projects. Thanks to their efforts, the castle has regained some of its former glory and opened its doors once again—this time to the public.

Visitors today can walk through its echoing halls, peek into the dormitories, and learn about the boys who once called the castle home. Tours blend historical storytelling with a touch of mystery, as the castle has also become known for its paranormal activity. Ghost hunters, television crews, and thrill-seekers have all been drawn to its eerie corridors.

More than a century after it opened, Preston Castle remains a powerful symbol of California’s evolving approach to justice and reform. It tells the story of a time when society began to rethink how it treated young people in trouble, opting for guidance over punishment. While not without flaws, the school represented a pioneering step in the field of juvenile rehabilitation.

Today, the castle stands as both a preserved monument and a living museum. It continues to educate visitors not only about its own past but also about the broader social movements that shaped its existence. Through community support and historical preservation, Preston Castle endures—not just as a beautiful old building, but as a meaningful chapter in the ongoing story of humanity.

The History of Preston Castle

Preston School of Industry

Life Behind the Walls

From Industry to Silence

Preservation and Public Interest

A Living Monument

Take A Tour

Stay at the Ione Hotel