The Great Valley

by Edgar Lee Masters

"The Great Valley" by Edgar Lee Masters is a collection of poems written in the early 20th century. The work reflects on the history, culture, and changing landscape of Chicago through various characters and narratives. As Masters weaves together the tales of those who shaped and were shaped by the city, he captures the heart and spirit of a burgeoning American metropolis." The opening of "The Great Valley" begins with the poem "Fort Dearborn," where the narrator reflects on the historical significance of Fort Dearborn and the transformation of the Chicago landscape over time. It juxtaposes the past, when the area was home to Native Americans and fur traders, with a present filled with urban development and societal change. The imagery of dancers and celebrations contrasting with echoes of the fort’s storied history highlights the tension between progress and the loss of cultural memory. The narrator laments the passage of time and acknowledges the lives lost in battles and the small memorials of those who came before, setting the tone for the exploration of legacy and identity that threads through the rest of the collection.