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

Blacksmith

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024

1. Blacksmith Marker

Inscription.
Although researchers found no architectural features, there is abundant evidence that this area was the location of the smithy. They uncovered layers (or “strata”) of iron-stained soil in this area, as well as pieces of iron “slag” (a waste product of the smithing process). The lack of the remains of a blacksmith shop may indicate that a portable forge was used by the smith at the site.

A blacksmith would spend much of his day producing nails like those shown below. It is assumed that many of the wrought nails found across the fort were made on-site by the blacksmith.

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

Location. 44° 23.717′ N, 79° 49.307′ 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 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 (a few steps from this marker); Blockhouse (a few steps from this marker); Stable and Yard

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(a few steps from this marker); Dedicated to the Men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry (a few steps from this marker); Barracks/Cookhouse (a few steps from this marker); Indigenous & Settlers' Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Willow Creek Depot (within shouting distance of this marker); Barracks/Storehouse (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

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024

2. Blacksmith Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 106 times since then and 10 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.