The route was originally designated on April 15, 1940 as the part of the highway from Grandfalls to Crane. An extension to Rankin was signed, but not designated on May 21, 1953 along
Farm to Market Road 870 (
FM 870). On August 29, 1990, the extension was officially designated, and FM 870 was cancelled. FM 870 was designated on October 29, 1948 from US 67 in Rankin northwest 8.8 miles to a road intersection. On May 23, 1951, FM 870 was extended northwest 8.8 miles. On December 18, 1951, FM 870 was extended 14.3 miles to
SH 51 (now US 385). In 1990, FM 870 was cancelled. ==Route description==