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.

Shown in this photo is an expansive view of the Lott Farm, which featured heavily in the fighting at the East Cavalry Field section of the Gettysburg Battlefield Park. Visible at center is what appears to be the Michigan Cavalry Monument and Custer Avenue, while the cattle and buildings of the Lott Farm can be seen to the right and left.  The summit of a tall hill is noted in the background. The photo measures 8” x 10” and is missing a small piece of the lower left corner with a mostly severed but present upper right corner.  The reverse is blank with no overt wear or damage.  Given the depiction of certain features in this photo, it was likely taken in the early 1900’s.

Tipton’s photography played an important role in shaping popular memory of the Gettysburg Battlefield and serves as an early, comprehensive visual record of the development of the park and historic town.  His photographs of the battlefield are archived among some of the most respected museums and institutions across the country and even served as the basis for the iconic Cyclorama - making this a unique and important item for the Gettysburg collector.  [cm][ph:L]

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