Preston School of Industry


The Preston School of Industry, also known as Preston Castle, is the best-known reform schools in the United States. It is located in Ione, California, in Amador County.
After construction was finished in 1890, the institution was opened in June 1894 when seven wards, were transferred there from San Quentin State Prison. The original building, known colloquially as "Preston Castle", is the most significant example of Romanesque Revival architecture in the Mother Lode. It was vacated in 1960, shortly after new buildings had been constructed to replace it. The abandoned building has since been named a California Historical Landmark and is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
In 1999, the institution's official name was changed to the "Preston Youth Correctional Facility".
The California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation announced on October 21, 2010, that the facility was to close, and a closing ceremony was held on June 2, 2011.

In popular culture

The 2014 film, A Haunting at Preston Castle, supposedly takes place at the castle itself and other surrounding areas.
The 2019 movie written and produced by Mark S. Allen takes place at Preston castle and surrounding areas.
Season 2, episode 1 sees the cast of the TV series Ghost Adventures at the castle.
Ghost Hunters investigated the castle's paranormal reports in season 6, episode 6.

Former wards

Former Preston wards include: