Eugenia Dunlap Potts
The Song of Lancaster, Kentucky
To the statesmen, soldiers, and citizens of Garrard County.
"The Song of Lancaster, Kentucky" by Eugenia Dunlap Potts is a historical poem written in the late 19th century. This work recounts the early history of Lancaster, Kentucky, exploring its foundational days, the lives of its settlers and soldiers, and the evolution of the community over time. Through rich and rhythmic verse, the narrative captures the natural beauty of the region, the struggles of its inhabitants, as well as the significant events that shaped the town's legacy. At the start of the poem, the author sets a vivid scene of the landscape surrounding Lancaster, Kentucky, evoking its primordial beauty with descriptions of its forests, mountains, and wildlife. The verses introduce themes of peace disrupted by human conflict, particularly focusing on the interactions with Native American tribes and the arrival of pioneers. Early settlers, including notable figures like Daniel Boone, play a significant role in the development of the area, with Potts articulating both their valor and the costs of their ambitions. The poem's opening offers a glimpse into the town's past while hinting at the intertwined fates of its people and their environment, thus establishing a nostalgic and reverent tone toward the history of Lancaster.