SH 194 was designated on its current route on February 9, 1933. On September 26, 1939, the designation was extended from Plainview southeast through Petersburg, then southwest through Slaton to Tahoka, replacing SH 280. On October 22, 1940, the section of SH 194 from 3.6 miles north of the Hale–Lubbock county line to Slaton was cancelled.
On February 9, 1933, SH 194 received its current designation. On September 26, 1939, the route was extended from Plainview southeast through Petersburg to Tahoka, replacing SH 280. On October 22, 1940, a portion of SH 194 between 3.6 miles north of the Hale–Lubbock county line and Slaton was discontinued.