Bunkie: A Tale of Decline and Missed Opportunities in Central Louisiana | A View from the Wrong Side of the Tracks

Photos and Story by Ken Hulsey

Like many towns in central Louisiana, Bunkie was once thriving; however, today it is merely a shadow of its former self. Prosperity in Bunkie appears to depend on which side of the Union Pacific Railroad one is on. If you're on the west side, you are still hanging on by a thread; if you are on the east side of the tracks, you find yourself in a literal ghost town. This area is marked by an endless row of failed businesses and abandoned buildings. Unfortunately, the business district is gone and will likely never return.

I genuinely wish that central Louisiana could experience some form of revival. Sadly, most of what would have attracted tourists, businesses, and new residents has long since disappeared. It isn’t fair to single out Bunkie, as this issue extends throughout the state of Louisiana. I often tell friends and family out of state that Louisiana's story is one of what it once was, the unfortunate state it is in now, and the bleak outlook for its future. In my experience here, I have found that many people in Louisiana are not enthusiastic about change; in fact, they often resist progress to maintain the status quo. While this fosters nostalgia, it proves counterproductive to growth. Sadly, this part of the country is barely surviving.

The Bunkie Coca-Cola Bottling Company opened in August 1904. Throughout its history, the plant faced numerous lawsuits, ranging from complaints about mysterious slimy substances that made people ill to issues with honoring stock certificates. The plant closed in 1996 and now stands as one of Bunkie's many abandoned buildings.

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