Bunkie in Avoyelles Parish, Louisiana — The American South (West South Central)
How Bunkie Got Its Name
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, August 30, 2025
1. How Bunkie Got Its Name Marker
In 1878 Captain Alexander Haas (not his brother, Samuel) purchased much of the land in this part of Avoyelles Parish, which was then called Irion. In 1882 the Texas and Pacific Railway sought the right of way across Haas land. In exchange for permission to build the railroad, Haas was given the privilege of naming the train station. Through the encouragement of a railroad official, he named the city after his daughter Maccie's nickname. Bunkie. The story goes that Maccie had received this nickname when Capt. Haas had bought her a toy monkey (not a real one as was once rumored). In her excitement, Maccie mispronounced the word "monkey" with "Bunkie". From then on she was called "Bunkie". When Captain Haas presented to the railroad officials that the name of the station would be given the same name as his daughters nickname, he was confronted with push back from some board members. In the end, Captain Haas convinced all those involved and the name Bunkie became an official town in the great state of Louisiana.
Erected by Griffin's Antiques.
Topics. This historical marker is listed in this topic list: Settlements & Settlers.
Location. 30° 57.179′ N, 92° 10.994′ W. Marker is in Bunkie, Louisiana
this page online
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 walking distance of this marker: 1935 CLECO Originated in Bunkie, LA (here, next to this marker); Griffins Antiques (within shouting distance of this marker); Merchants and Planters Bank (about 500 feet away, measured in a direct line); Bunkie Post Office (about 500 feet away); Bailey Hotel (about 600 feet away); The Jefferson Highway (approx. 0.2 miles away); Bunkie Depot Museum (approx. 0.2 miles away); Veterans Memorial (approx. 0.2 miles away). Touch for a list and map of all markers in Bunkie.
Photographed by Cajun Scrambler, August 30, 2025
2. How Bunkie Got Its Name Marker
Located before the "B"
Credits. This page was last revised on April 17, 2026. It was originally submitted on August 31, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana. This page has been viewed 216 times since then and 82 times this year. Photos: 1, 2. submitted on August 31, 2025, by Cajun Scrambler of Assumption, Louisiana.
