Preston, California

Preston derives its name from Madame Emily Preston (née Burke), a faith healer who established a religious colony and health resort at her husband's ranch in 1875. Revenue from Preston's ministry and the settlement of followers in the area led to the construction of a church, railroad depot, post office, and a commercial district on both sides of the Russian River.^[3] The community began a slow decline after Preston's death in 1909, continuing to hold services into the 1940s.^[3]

Most of the buildings associated with the Preston community were destroyed in a wildfire in 1988.^[3]