The Texas and Pacific railroad arrived in the area in 1882, establishing a depot in Bunkie. The town quickly became a shipping point for the local cotton farmers.

Today the Union Pacific railroad (which bought out Missouri Pacific/Texas Pacific many years ago)
still maintains a presence in Bunkie. Though the station is now the Visitor Center and home of the Chamber of Commerce, many trains pass through Bunkie daily.

The depot built in 1911 is listed on the National Register of Historic Places.