Fort Willow Depot -- Springwater
Front Gates of the Willow Depot manned by 250 troops at it's peak.
GPS: N 44° 23' 41" W 79° 49' 15"
Civic Address: 2698-2774 Grenfel Rd., Springwater, ON L0L 1Y3
Directions: From Barrie, go West on County Rd 90 towards Angus to George Johnson Road (follow the FW signs). Turn Right (North) and travel
Description: In 1813, after the American took control of Lake Erie the British needed a protected supply line between Fort York (Toronto) and their forces in the Upper Lakes. Fort Willow was built to protect this critical supply line that travelled overland to Lake Simcoe then by water to the Nine-mile portage, the old fur-trading route, beginning in the yet to exist Barrie and ending in the Minesing Swamp, and then by the waters of Willow Creek into the Nottawasaga River and ultimately Georgian Bay. It was manned primarily by 250 Royal Newfoundland Fencibles at its peak.
Civic Address: 2698-2774 Grenfel Rd., Springwater, ON L0L 1Y3
Directions: From Barrie, go West on County Rd 90 towards Angus to George Johnson Road (follow the FW signs). Turn Right (North) and travel
Description: In 1813, after the American took control of Lake Erie the British needed a protected supply line between Fort York (Toronto) and their forces in the Upper Lakes. Fort Willow was built to protect this critical supply line that travelled overland to Lake Simcoe then by water to the Nine-mile portage, the old fur-trading route, beginning in the yet to exist Barrie and ending in the Minesing Swamp, and then by the waters of Willow Creek into the Nottawasaga River and ultimately Georgian Bay. It was manned primarily by 250 Royal Newfoundland Fencibles at its peak.
Fort Willow Depot Plaque
These men of the Royal Newfoundland Regiment had marched overland from Kingston in January of 1814 with supplies destined for Fort Mackinac.
Located on high grounds overlooking the swamplands it consisted of several log houses, a barn and two blockhouses fortified by a strong palisade and earthworks. It was the only dot of civilization for over 70 kilometres (43 miles) short of the odd native encampment and trading house. Life was described as "malarial" in the summer (being next to a swamp), and "inhospitable" in the winter.
Sir John Franklin used this route on his journey to the Arctic, and it was also used by David Thompson on his way west to explore and map the western parts of Canada. Currently partially restored with information kiosks, picnic tables, washrooms and sheltered rest areas, it is a delightful laid-back, peaceful environment in stark contrast to days gone by unless you happen to visit on a day the re-enactors (event schedule) are in attendance.
Located on high grounds overlooking the swamplands it consisted of several log houses, a barn and two blockhouses fortified by a strong palisade and earthworks. It was the only dot of civilization for over 70 kilometres (43 miles) short of the odd native encampment and trading house. Life was described as "malarial" in the summer (being next to a swamp), and "inhospitable" in the winter.
Sir John Franklin used this route on his journey to the Arctic, and it was also used by David Thompson on his way west to explore and map the western parts of Canada. Currently partially restored with information kiosks, picnic tables, washrooms and sheltered rest areas, it is a delightful laid-back, peaceful environment in stark contrast to days gone by unless you happen to visit on a day the re-enactors (event schedule) are in attendance.
