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.

This Tipton view is presumably an early 1900’s recording of what is now Hay Street – just off west Middle Street in the direction of the Seminary.  Appearing as a simple foot path, two post remnants of a fence and lines of trees flank either side.  An early electrical pole with wires can be partially seen at right, with wires extending across the frame and through the trees in the foreground.  A simple, period home sits at the intersection of the streets, complete with visible picket fencing. Just to the left of the home’s roof, traces of another distant building can be seen through the foliage. The 9.75” x 8” photo is in a very nice condition- very minimal wear is present at the corners, which remain sharp and complete.  The back is entirely blank and free of damage, save for minor handling marks.

Tipton’s photographic collection – including early prints such as this – helped to shape popular memory of the battle and are an important but rare record of the Gettysburg battlefield’s evolving place in history.  This print is part of a singular 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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