The Davis Mountains State Park Highway, with its breathtaking landscapes and captivating history, stands as a testament to the foresight of its earliest advocates. Conceived before the establishment of the Davis Mountains State Park, this highway was always intended to be different. Instead of a traditional park, its creators envisioned a linear or scenic driving parkway. The intention was clear: to provide travelers with an immersive experience of the Davis Mountains’ unmatched beauty.
The origins of this ambitious project trace back to a 1922 group of enthusiasts, among whom was Walter S. Miller of Fort Davis. Beyond advocating for the highway, Miller also played a pivotal role in selecting a location for the McDonald Observatory. His dedication to these causes saw him expend personal funds and countless hours, with his son, Keesey Miller, recounting how Walter “wore out two automobiles” in the process.
By 1933, as land acquisition for the McDonald Observatory was underway, Miller’s efforts led to the Jeff Davis County commissioners approving a preliminary survey for what would become the Davis Mountains State Park Highway. Funding began with an initial appropriation of $10,000, and the project received further support from community landowners, who agreed to donate a 150-foot-wide right-of-way.
There were challenges, of course. For instance, Violet Locke McIvor, who had already donated significant land to the state park project, was approached to donate land for the University of Texas’ McDonald Observatory. After some deliberation, she decided to back both ventures.
Support from influential figures, like Senator Thomas Love, played a significant role in pushing the project forward. Love, in describing the unparalleled charm of the Davis Mountains, remarked, “there is nothing I have seen that exceeds the beauty and grandeur of the Davis Mountains.”
George Finley, upon joining the Highway Department in 1927, was tasked with surveying the proposed 75-mile route for the Scenic Drive. His account illustrates the rugged nature of the landscape, describing it as “one pile of rock” with over 25 challenging wire gates.
Construction began in earnest on January 9, 1932. Local labor and tools, including horse-drawn fresnos and dynamite, were used. The subsequent years saw intermittent progress, with New Deal efforts in 1933 providing a significant boost.
It wasn’t until after World War II that the entire Scenic Loop was completed, opening on June 28, 1947, twenty-one years after the project’s initiation. Today, this 75-mile loop, comprising State Highways 118 and 166, winds through the Davis Mountains, offering stunning vistas and passing notable landmarks like the McDonald Observatory.
However, time has seen parts of the Scenic Loop altered. The 1970s witnessed the widening of sections near the McDonald Observatory, resulting in the loss of old cottonwood trees and springs. Yet, a substantial segment of the original State Park Highway remains untouched. This portion, spanning from the Valentine cutoff, Highway 505, to the McDonald Observatory, has retained its authentic charm. Over time, the surrounding landscape has flourished, now almost brushing against the edge of the pavement, adding to the road’s scenic allure.
For a deeper dive into the history of the Davis Mountains State Park Highway, readers are encouraged to explore “The Scenic Loop: Davis Mountains State Park Highway” by Larry Francell, the source for the historic aspects of this feature.
