Many know the name Simcoe from the similarly named, bloodthirsty officer from the hit AMC Drama, TURN. In real life however, as well as among historians, John Simcoe is one of the most fascinating officers of the American Revolution. Arriving at the beginning of the war as a mere ensign, Simcoe rapidly worked his way up the ranks until becoming the Lt. Colonel of the Queens Rangers, a loyalist regiment raised to fight against the Continental Army, in 1777. Simcoe reformed the regiment and raised into an effective fighting force. After the end of the war, Simcoe served for a year in parliament before becoming the first Lt. Governor of Upper Canada where he helped build the city of Toronto, establish trial by jury in that area, and abolish slavery in Canada.