[3] It continues eastward through Kendalia and intersects US 281 south of Twin Sisters.

The two routes stay merged for about two miles; US 281 continues north while RM 473 resumes a generally eastbound direction.

The route was originally designated as Farm to Market Road 473 (FM 473) on July 9, 1945, as a short route connecting US 87 in Comfort to Nichols Ranch 4.7 miles (7.6 km) to the east.

This route was extended several times: to 4.7 miles (7.6 km) east of Nichols Ranch on February 25, 1949; to Sisterdale on July 14 of that year, to RM 474 on December 18, 1951; and to US 281 on January 29, 1953, replacing FM 1622.

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