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 photo offers a detailed glimpse into the Rose Woods, just behind the featured 145th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry monument. This hotly contested area bordering The Wheatfield is likely the bloodiest real estate in America according to casualty figures and the Elliott Burial Map.  As with most Tipton photos, this is probably the first printed image of the 145th Pennsylvania monument and was taken around the time of its dedication – 1889 or shortly thereafter. The monument’s front text is partially visible due to the natural light present during the photography session, while the roster of casualties on the shadowed side is clear.  Mirroring accounts of the battle, the Rose Woods are thinner than they are presently, with much less undergrowth and many of the trees appear to still be living when compared to recent photos of the area. Measuring 8” x 10”, the photo is in a very nice condition with minimal corner wear, no tears, and only a very subtle creasing along minimal portions of the top edge from handling.  The back is entirely blank with a slight discoloration at the top edge that does not compromise the image itself in any way. Interestingly, fingerprints are visible near the figure atop the monument as part of the image, transferring over from the original negative – very possibly Tipton’s own.

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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