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.

Just west of the Emmitsburg Road and to the front of the Sherfy House sits the monument to the 57^th Pennsylvania Volunteer Infantry.  Part of General Sickles’s line on July 2^nd, the defense of this area was shattered by Longstreet’s echelon assault late that afternoon.  The monument was dedicated on July 2^nd, 1888 and shows the original wrought-iron fence that surrounded it (which has since been replaced with a slightly more ornate fence).  The front yard of the Sherfy House is plainly visible, including a portion of the iconic white picket fencing. The photo measures 8.75” x 6.75” and shows only miniscule wear to the upper left corner.

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 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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