Near Bunkie in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)

Rays Ferry 1816

Photographed by Dale Ray, August 3, 2023

1. Rays Ferry 1816 Marker

Inscription. Near this site on the main road from Opelousas to Avoyelles, Reuben Ray operated a ferry service across Bayou Boeuf. A surety bond granted by the State of Louisiana is dated 19 Sep 1816. In the early 19th Century before the advent of bridges and public roads, Rays Ferry, like many others, was operated for profit by local landowners. No record has been discovered of how long the ferry operated. Ray, like many other early Louisiana pioneers, helped lay the foundation for a modern transportation network.

Erected 2023 by Sponsored by the descendants of Calvin and Ellen Ray.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Roads & Vehicles • Settlements & Settlers • Waterways & Vessels. A significant historical date for this entry is September 19, 1816.

Location. 30° 57.018′ N, 92° 13.411′ W. Marker is near Bunkie, Louisiana, in Avoyelles Parish. It is on Louisiana Route 115 3 miles east of Interstate 49, on the right when traveling east. The marker is located next to the Bayou Boeuf Bridge. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bunkie LA 71322, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in Central Louisiana

and in Acadiana — Cajun Country.

It is also in the American South

and specifically in the Deep South.

Globally, it is in North America,

a Gulf of Mexico state,

the Western Hemisphere,

the Western World,

and the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain,

Acadia,

the territory of the Mississippian Culture,

the Louisiana Purchase,

one of the Confederate States of America,

and the Antebellum South.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 3 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Bailey Hotel (approx. 2.3 miles away); Bunkie Post Office (approx. 2.3 miles away); Veterans Memorial

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(approx. 2.3 miles away); Bunkie Depot Museum (approx. 2.3 miles away); The Jefferson Highway (approx. 2.3 miles away); Merchants and Planters Bank (approx. 2.4 miles away); 1935 CLECO Originated in Bunkie, LA (approx. 2.4 miles away); Griffins Antiques (approx. 2.4 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bunkie.

Credits. This page was last revised on August 6, 2023. It was originally submitted on August 4, 2023, by Dale Ray of Alexandria, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 584 times since then and 43 times this year. Photo 1. submitted on August 4, 2023, by Dale Ray of Alexandria, Louisiana. • James Hulse was the editor who published this page.

Editor’s want-list for this marker. A wide view photo of the marker and the surrounding area together in context. • Can you help?