Preston Castle 01

Desert / Ghost Town Trek #28

Preston Castle, Ione CA, March 2012
Preston Castle 01

Preston Castle 01

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The Preston "Ghost Castle" is the oppulent administration building of the Preston Youth Correctional Facility, 1894.
Preston Castle 02

Preston Castle 02

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Situated atop a hill in the mining era town of Ione, CA. Tours are available, and we spent some time walking around the grounds before the tour started.
Preston Castle 03

Preston Castle 03

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It was the first attempt to rehabilitate youths in California rather than send them to places like Folsom or San Quentin.
Preston Castle 04

Preston Castle 04

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Former inmates include Merle Haggard and Rochester from the Jack Benny Show.
Preston Castle 05

Preston Castle 05

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Preston Castle 06

Preston Castle 06

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Preston Castle 07

Preston Castle 07

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Preston Castle 08

Preston Castle 08

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Preston Castle 09

Preston Castle 09

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Preston Castle 10

Preston Castle 10

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Last remaining gargoyle on the bell tower.
Preston Castle 11

Preston Castle 11

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Preston Castle 12

Preston Castle 12

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Preston Castle 13

Preston Castle 13

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Preston Castle 14

Preston Castle 14

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Preston Castle 15

Preston Castle 15

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Preston Castle 16

Preston Castle 16

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Preston Castle 17

Preston Castle 17

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Preston Castle 18

Preston Castle 18

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This is actually an early concept of a fire escape. You go down a spiral stair inside while water sprays on you. Seems like a death trap.
99 items in total