Haunted in San Joaquin

By Rachael Fleming

Information obtained at the Bank of Stockton, Stockton Record and Preston Castle Foundation.

The Stockton State Hospital was the first of its kind west of the Mississippi, serving the mentally ill. The hospital opened in 1853 on land donated by Charles Weber. It’s debut came with fair share of controversy; in 1856 the institutions first superintendent, Dr. Reid, was accused of forcing patients to build his home, underreporting deaths and mass graves. The charges were ultimately dismissed but not until a dual occurred between one of his accusers and his supporters. Neither were fatally injured.

Another account from life within the early facilities come from Frank Peltret, a San Francisco Examiner reporter who had himself committed in 1888. He found the institution to be well managed despite overcrowding. At this time the guidelines of the hospital prohibited violence and harsh treatment, however this was the late 1880s and the patients did experience iron clads. Later superintendents introduced more intense procedures including sterilization and electric shock therapy.

Because of treatment, or lack thereof, not every patient left the hospital alive. The Stockton State Hospital had three known cemeteries. Despite the moniker as the “final resting place,” many of the burials were moved to new grounds. Some found their way to a crematory built for the hospital in 1918. Others were placed into mass graves such as the one a construction crew unearthed in 2004.

Besides moving graves, poor record keeping also contributed to the loss of many graves. Speculation leads many to believe that modern buildings in Stockton have been built over those unfortunate men and women. In these circumstances it is easy to understand the numerous ghost stories that have arisen from these lost souls.

Perhaps the most well known haunted location in San Joaquin County is the Banta Inn, located outside of Tracy. The first haunting is thought to be from a mother and daughter who died in a fire in 1937. However, the most well-known ghost is thought to be a man who passed from a heart attack behind the bar in the 1960s. The ghost, Tony, is regularly spotted in the dining room, moving glasses and turning on the jukebox.

Another well known haunted location is just north of San Joaquin County in Amador County. Opened on June 13, 1894 Preston School of Industry now known as Preston Castle was a prison for boys. Prior to its construction, boys were sent to either San Quentin or Folsom Prison.

Boys were sent here for a variety of infractions including truancy but also more severe crimes like murder. At the facility the boys received an education and were taught trades; these skills not only helped the boys in the real world, but also, helped to make the institution self-sufficient.

Despite being called a school, this facility was indeed a prison. It had its fair share of violence including murders. From these acts of violence Preston Castle has been rumored to be haunted. It has been investigated by numerous paranormal organizations, including SyFy’s Ghost Hunters.

Now, if you’re intrigued by hauntings, you can check out these last two locations for yourself. The Banta Inn operates as a restaurant and the Preston Castle run tours on Saturdays.