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 cabinet card photograph features the secondary monument of the 29^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry at its position near the upper summit of Culp’s Hill. The mounting card front is a dark plum – burgundy without trim along the borders or edges.  The bottom left features a “W.H. Tipton Photo.” logo in gold.  The opposite corner reads “GETTYSBURG, PA.” in gold text. The reverse is blank.  A modern view of the monument is included – tucked into the protective plastic sleeve.  Overall measurements are 6.5” x 4.25” with a commonly found slight bend to the card and minimal edge wear to the card.

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]

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

THIS ITEM, AS WITH ALL OTHER ITEMS AVAILABLE ON OUR WEB SITE,

MAY BE PURCHASED THROUGH OUR LAYAWAY PROGRAM.

CLICK HERE FOR OUR POLICIES AND TERMS.

THANK YOU!