Completed in 1896 by the Gettysburg Battlefield Commission, the Oak Ridge Observation Tower still stands in a much shorter capacity at its original location.  Offering a captivating view of the major actions of the First Day, it has long been a popular place to gather for photographs and a more comprehensive understanding of July 1, 1863.

Among the most famous of the old guard of Gettysburg guides was Captain J.T. Long.  He enlisted in June, 1861, in Co. B, 99th Pa. Vol. Inf. and was soon made a corporal. In November, 1861, he was injured by falling timber and contracted typhoid fever and was discharged in April, 1862, for physical disability. He next enlisted in Co. G, 21st Pa. Cav., in June 1863, and won the rank of sergeant major. In Feb., 1864, he enlisted for the third time in Co. G, 21st Pa. Cav., for three years winning a commission as second lieutenant of Co. A, 21st Pa. Cav., and was promoted to first lieutenant and in the last campaign for heroism was brevetted captain.  In 1891 he published the first edition of 10,000 copies of "The 16th Decisive Battle of the World—Gettysburg," the Red Book, a popular early guide book of the battlefield.  This image stands as a rare record of some of the last tours of Captain Long before his death in 1911.

In this photo, labeled “#2184 THE GEO. E. MAYSTERS & WETHERBEE TOURS ON OAK RIDGE GETTYSBURG PA. SEPT. 25^TH 1910 CAPT. J.T. LONG GUIDE”, elder GAR members pose with their families (and at least one young member of the Sons of Union Veterans). Many general member and annual encampment specific ribbons and medals can be seen among the men in the group, while the women sport smart, formal clothing of the era.  The photo was taken facing northwest, with Oak Hill hidden behind the trees at far right. The 90^th Pennsylvania’s monument is plainly visible to the right of the tower.  The more decorative base rails of the 1896 design are noted; updated to a closed design when the tower was shortened in 1968.  Mounted to a card of dark gray measuring 12.1” x 17”, the photo itself is in good condition with sharps edges and corners.  The card shows moderate corner loss at upper right and left, and slight loss at low left. A crease is present along the length of the top edge of the mounting board. Small tears are noted at the bottom, right and left edges.  Though no photographer is specifically credited, the white negative label and listed photography company are very similar (if not nearly identical) to those found on the photos and negatives of William Tipton. The reverse is entirely blank with some very light liquid stains that did not bleed through to the front.

As far as early post-battle history is concerned, this photograph has many layers of interest to the collector and Gettysburg enthusiast.  [cm][ph:L]

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