On a pleasant drive, in the Greater Sacramento region is a mysterious place in nearby Ione.
We really can’t say Preston Castle comes “alive” this time of year, because many folks claim ghosts of the dead remain there still.
The purpose for building the Castle was to accommodate the Preston School of Industry (reform school), in an attempt to rehabilitate juvenile offenders. The Castle was completed in June 1894, and in 1960 the Castle closed, when a new building was constructed. Preston Castle is a California State Historic Landmark.
The castle’s sandstone was quarried a few miles from Ione, and the bricks were created at Folsom and San Quentin prisons. The cornerstone was set with pomp and ceremony, in late 1890. The Castle is now empty, with some action being made to restore it.
As a trivia footnote to the Castle's history - it was used as the setting for a 2005 movie flick titled, "Bloodthirst 2: Revenge of the Chupacabras" - It was written and directed by Sacramento's own news personality, Jonathan Mumm. A friend, Bruce Shaw, played the leading role of Detective Steve Andrews.
With that history now under your belt, that this time of year Preston Castle comes ALIVE with the Haunted Dead at “Preston Castle Halloween Haunt.” I am certain if you find ghoulish joy in such activities, you will not want to miss this opportunity.
Preston Castle is located at:
Preston Castle
999 (end of) Palm Drive
Ione, California
Ione is along Highway 16, approximately 45 minute drive South East of Downtown Sacramento.
This event is promoted as Northern California's only REAL Haunted House! Yet, I can attest to at least one or two others). . . But this one is pretty amazing!
Tickets are limited for each night, so order early to make sure you can get in.
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