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.
SH 194 was assigned its current designation on February 9, 1933. On September 26, 1939, the designation was expanded from Plainview southeast through Petersburg to Tahoka, replacing SH 280. On October 22, 1940, a segment of SH 194 from 3.6 miles north of the Hale–Lubbock county line to Slaton was removed.