This is a very rare cabinet photograph of the Wright Beverley & Co. general store in the period when Wyatt Earp, Jim Earp, Ed Earp, and Doc Holliday where there. Robert M. Wright is on his horse on the left hand side. He was a founder of Dodge City, Town President, and pioneer. He was also owner of one of the largest commercial empires in the area dealing in freighting and cattle as well as general merchandise. He owned the general store beginning in 1872. There is evidence that he was making $200,000 a month in 1880. However, by 1904, he was broke and selling off his holdings due to trouble with dug addiction. He wrote a book about his life in 1912 and died in 1915. The store became Wright Beverley in 1877, dealing in general merchandise and men's clothing. Wright was in the cattle business in Abilene, Kansas in 1870 and did that for several years. He served in the Confederacy with Texas State troops and was a Lieutenant. I do not know if he is in this photograph. However, and most important, look at the top right corner. You see the first word of the sign, LONG. That is the famous Long Branch Saloon which was right next to the store. The famous saloon where the Earps and Doc Holliday could frequently be found.
