The community Durkee was named for a family of early settlers. The first post office in the locality was called Express Ranch, with C. W. Durkee first postmaster. It was established April 21, 1865, but was later moved to Weatherby. See Express Ranch for the history of this office. The existing post office, Durkee, was established February 26, 1902, probably by change of name from another office called Express.

SPOTLIGHT

Durkee is an historic site for the Oregon Trail and early placer mining activity.

It was first known as Express Ranch, a Wells Fargo stage station, in 1862.

The town was renamed Durkee when the railroad bought its right-of-way
from the Durkee Family in 1883.