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.