Minesing in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Hayes Homestead
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024
1. Hayes Homestead Marker
Near this site stood a settler's cabin unofficially called the Hayes Homestead after one of the families that called it home.
Historical research shows that the cabin was likely built in the late 1800s, long after Fort Willow was abandoned by the British military, and that it was used into the early 1900s.
Researchers found many artifacts in what was the cabin's root cellar. When excavated, the cellar was filled with charred wood and structural timber, remnants from when the cabin was abandoned and collapsed into itself.
[photo captions]
Victorian-era coins, a brass medallion of Mary, attesting to the Catholic faith of the family who lived here (late 1800s)
Fragments of ceramic dolls (late 1800s)
A candle snuffer, a thimble, a keyhole escutcheon, and a slate pencil (late 1800s)
A near-complete ironstone saucer (late 1800s)
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Forts and Castles • Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 44° 23.657′ N, 79° 49.213′ W. Marker is in Minesing, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It can be reached from Grenfel Road 3.6 kilometers north of Sunnidale Road (County Road 40), on the left when traveling
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Regionally, this marker is in Central Ontario Cottage Country and specifically in Georgian Bay Country. It is also in Central Canada. Globally, it is in North America, the Western Hemisphere, the Western World, and the Anglosphere. Historically, it finds itself in what was once a British colony, the Viceroyalty of New France, the Haudenosaunee (Iroquois) Confederacy, and Ruperts Land.
Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Welcome to Fort Willow (about 120 meters away, measured in a direct line); A Meeting Place (about 120 meters away); Formed by Ice (about 120 meters away); The War of 1812 (about 120 meters away); a different marker also named The War of 1812 (about 120 meters away); The Post War Years (about 120 meters away); The Royal Newfoundland Regiment (about 120 meters away); Batteaux (about 120 meters away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Minesing.
Related markers. Click here for a list of markers that are related to this marker. Historic Fort Willow
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024
2. Fort Willow Conservation Area Entrance
The marker is obscured by foliage in the background, just beyond the yellow gate.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 2, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 96 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
