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.

Featured in this photo is the monument of the 71^st Pennsylvania, located at the apex of the famous “Angle” on Cemetery Ridge.  Given Tipton’s propensity for photographing monuments as they were dedicated, this photo likely dates from the late 1880’s – early 1890’s.  The condition is good, with minor corner wear and a singular right edge section with a ¼” tear and 1.5” vertical crease.  The reverse is blank save for a single pen or penciled line and a small stain.  Photo measures 9.9” x 8”.

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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