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

Barracks/Cookhouse

Photographed by Cosmos Mariner, June 6, 2024

1. Barracks/Cookhouse Marker

Inscription.
The ceramic tableware found here point to it being the site of the barracks/cookhouse. The tableware were of a cheaper variety and included hand painted pieces. Several of the artifacts found in this area directly point to the presence of British soldiers.

[photo captions]
• Cutlery and cutlery handles, along with many thick-pot kitchen wares, were found in this area.
• A personal item, like the jaw harp pictured here, speaks to the day-to-day life of the men stationed at the fort.
• A brass scale from a shako hat strap. Shako hats were tall and cylindrical, and typically had a small visor.

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

Location. 44° 23.719′ N, 79° 49.321′ 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: Indigenous & Settlers' Gardens (a few steps from this marker); Stable and Yard

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(a few steps from this marker); Blacksmith (a few steps from this marker); Barracks/Storehouse (a few steps from this marker); Blockhouse (within shouting distance of this marker); Fort Willow History (within shouting distance of this marker); Officer's Quarters/Commandant's House (within shouting distance of this marker); Dedicated to the Men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment of Fencible Infantry (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. Barracks/Cookhouse Marker

Credits. This page was last revised on June 7, 2025. It was originally submitted on June 6, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida. This page has been viewed 88 times since then and 8 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on June 7, 2025, by Cosmos Mariner of Cape Canaveral, Florida.