William Henry Tipton (1850–1929) was born in Gettysburg, and began apprenticing to photographer brothers Isaac and Charles Tyson at the age of twelve. Although the Tysons closed shop during the Battle of Gettysburg, “According to Tipton’s obituary, Tipton assisted Mathew Brady, the famous Civil War Photographer, in photographing scenes of the battlefield in the days following” (“William Tipton”). In 1866 Tipton and a partner, Robert Myers, purchased the Tyson studio, and in 1880 Tipton went into business on his own, as the W. H. Tipton Company. He photographed views of the battlefield, war monuments, and the surrounding town, and made portraits of tourists and veterans. He also served on the Gettysburg town council and was active in the Republican Party, serving a term as a state representative. He championed several controversial efforts to promote Gettysburg tourism and commercialize memorialization of the battlefield.

Measuring 9” x 7”, this Tipton print is a true piece of Gettysburg history.  The shot features the monument of the 120^th New York Infantry.  With construction materials still present, this photo likely dates to 1889 – when the monument was erected.  A wonderful view of the Trostle Farm and Little Round Top comprise the background. Printed on a glossed heavy paper, this photo’s age is evident and the reverse is stamped “W.H. TIPTON GETTYSBURG P.A.” in the bottom right corner, while in the opposite upper corner the word “Sheet” is written in pencil.

Tipton’s photographic collection – including early prints such as this – helped to shape popular memory of the battle and are an important but rare part of the Gettysburg battlefield’s place in history.  This print is among a scarce private collection and archive acquired by the Horse Soldier and would make quite the unique and important addition to any Civil War or Gettysburg-centric collection.  [cm][ph:L]

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