A Forgotten Story,
Forgotten no Longer
John Durkee: The Forgotten Story of Connecticut’s Bold Man From Bean Hill
Historian Frances Manwaring Caulkins once said about Colonel John Durkee:
"Could the life of this able and valiant soldier be written in detail, it would form a work of uncommon interest."
John Durkee: The Forgotten Story of Connecticut's Bold Man from Bean Hill brings to audiences a story of a long-forgotten Connecticut Colonel from Norwich, Connecticut who served with distinction in the French and Indian War and the American Revolution. As the inaugural book published under the Keys to History label, this is the first definitive biography on this forgotten local legend.
Since his death in 1782, Colonel John Durkee of Norwich, Connecticut became a virtual footnote in American History, yet his legacy forever shaped the history of Connecticut and the nation. He was a lifelong soldier, leader, and answered the call to fight the King of England. From the Sons of Liberty, to General Washington's Army, this is the story of a man whose life fell into obscurity, but forgotten no longer.
250 Years in the Making
Beginning in 2025, the United States will be celebrating the 250th Anniversary of the American Revolution known as "America 250" - culminating on July 4, 2026 with the 250th Anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. For the next eight years, the American Revolution, its battles, and the events which occurred will be front and center throughout the nation. The story of John Durkee connects heavily to the themes and goals of America 250 as a story that never saw widespread circulation, but directly impact the course of events that shaped Connecticut History and American History at large. Nearly a quarter of a million men served in the American Revolution either in the Continental Army or in the state Militias; the smallest fraction of that number have become household names such as Washington, Hamilton, Arnold, and more - but many more, like Colonel Durkee fought just as hard. Though less is known about Durkee and his fellow compatriots, this new biography will bring his story to life through surviving family papers, correspondence, secondary accounts, and first-hand accounts written by soldiers and commanders he served with throughout the war.
