Minesing in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)

Blockhouse

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024

1. Blockhouse Marker

Inscription.
Initial archeological reports from 1959 found large building foundations in two places, here and in the northeast corner of the fort.

These foundations were so substantial that they were believed to have supported massive two storey structures, most likely blockhouses. However, additional archaeological works have not confirmed these findings, and British documents relating to the fort do not indicate that any blockhouses were built here.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Anthropology & Archaeology • Architecture • Forts and Castles.

Location. 44° 23.719′ N, 79° 49.298′ 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 north. The marker is located on the Historic Fort Willow grounds, just inside the palisade gate, at Fort Willow Conservation Area. Touch for map. Marker is at or near this postal address: 2714 Grenfel Road, Minesing ON L0L 1Y3, Canada. Touch for directions.

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 Rupert’s Land.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker: Fort Willow History (here, next to this marker); Dedicated to the Men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Blacksmith (a few

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steps from this marker); Stable and Yard (within shouting distance of this marker); Willow Creek Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Nine Mile Portage and Willow Depot / Portage Nine Mile et Dépôt Willow (within shouting distance of this marker); Barracks/Cookhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Indigenous & Settlers' Gardens (within shouting distance of this marker). 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

Marker detail: Artist's rendition of the Blockhouse<br>Drawing by Barry Russell image. Click for full size.

2. Marker detail: Artist's rendition of the Blockhouse
Drawing by Barry Russell

Blockhouses were used as accommodations for troops, and were the last line of defense once the enemy had penetrated the fort perimeter. Excellent examples of blockhouses can be seen at Fort York (Toronto) and Fort George (Niagara-on-the-Lake).

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024

3. Blockhouse Marker

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 100 times since then and 12 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3. submitted on June 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.