Minesing in Simcoe County, Ontario — Central Canada (North America)
Welcome to Fort Willow
Step into History
Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024
1. Welcome to Fort Willow Marker
Long-used as a trading route by indigenous people and then serving as a critical supply depot during the War of 1812, Willow Depot and the connecting Nine Mile Portage played a significant role in the development of our region and our nation. Today, Fort Willow is recognized as both a national and provincial historically significant site.
Take a leisurely stroll through the grounds of Fort Willow to learn more about the history of the area. Inside the palisades you'll find outlines of the buildings located here during the War of 1812. Or plan to join us each fall as history comes alive at the Festival at Fort Willow.
Fort Willow Conservation Area is owned and managed by the Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority with the support of the dedicated volunteers of the Friends of Fort Willow. Many individuals, companies and organizations have provided generous donations to support the development and maintenance of this site.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Forts and Castles • Indigenous Peoples and Communities • War of 1812. A significant historical year for this entry is 1812.
Location. 44° 23.699′ N, 79° 49.274′ W. Marker is in Minesing, Ontario, in Simcoe County. It can be reached from Grenfel Road 3.6 kilometers north
this page online
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: A Meeting Place (here, next to this marker); Formed by Ice (here, next to this marker); The War of 1812 (here, next to this marker); a different marker also named The War of 1812 (here, next to this marker); The Post War Years (here, next to this marker); The Royal Newfoundland Regiment (a few steps from this marker); Nine Mile Portage and Willow Depot / Portage Nine Mile et Dιpτt Willow (a few steps from this marker); Willow Creek Depot (a few steps from 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
Also see . . . Festival at Fort Willow.
Excerpt: Each year, the Festival at Fort Willow welcomes visitors to travel two centuries back in time and celebrate the historical significance of the site. The festival features displays, entertainment and re-enactments of life as it was in 1812.(Submitted on June 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.)During the War of 1812, Fort Willow was a supply depot that marked the halfway point between Kempenfelt
Bay and the Nottawasaga River. The strategic location of Fort Willow allowed for a continuous trade and transportation route between Lake Ontario and Georgian Bay. The Fort Willow area is also part of the Nine Mile Portage, which was used for centuries by Aboriginals, fur traders and explorers who passed through the area.Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 20242. Welcome to Fort Willow MarkerThe marker is mounted on the interpretive kiosk near the Historic Fort William entrance.
Credits. This page was last revised on June 14, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 4, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 112 times since then and 9 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 5, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.
