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 8” x 10”, this Tipton print is a true piece of Gettysburg history.  The shot features the Camp Letterman Hospital marker.  The marker is still visible off to the side of the York Road, on what was once the George Wolf Farm.  Younger vegetation is noted in the background, while soil and grass surround the base of the stone. Printed on a glossed heavy paper, this photo’s age is evident. Some light handling or storage wear is present in the form light creasing along the first half of the upper edge, and in the lower left corner.  Minor indentations are present in localized areas but the photo displays quite nicely.

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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