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 8x10, this antique photo print features a view of Little Round Top and the Valley of Death from Devil’s Den. Plainly visible in the pictures are landmarks such as; the 44th New York monument at right, and the 4th Maine Monument at lower left.  The date range of this photo should fall between 1894 and 1916, as the Gettysburg Electric Railway line is prominently featured.  The Gettysburg Electric Railway was a tourist trolley operated by the borough of Gettysburg that was terminated a decade after a Supreme Court ruling allowed the Federal Government to terminate easements through eminent domain.  In the lower left are Tipton’s catalogue number, “666e” and “Little Round Top From Devil’s Den. Gettysburg.”  A relatively modern view of the same area accompanies the antique photo to provide reference and context.

This early piece of Gettysburg encompasses not only the battlefield, but the history of the park and its relation to the evolution of tourism.  A rare and unique item for the Gettysburg enthusiast.  [cm][ph:L]

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