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 statue of General Wadsworth, commander of the 1^st Division of the 1^st Corps.  Gifford’s woods are visible in the background giving way to the Railroad Cut just out of frame.  The photo is in good condition with minor edge and corner wear, along with a few small cracks to the glossed layer of the image that do not detract from the overall piece.  The reverse is blank with a very small superficial stain and some darkening of the edges. The photo measures 8” x 10”.

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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