[2] On September 19, 1928, SH 97 was extended south to Rio Grande City via Hebbronville and Tilden;[3] this extension was cancelled on June 25, 1929,[4] and SH 97 was instead extended to Fowlerton; On November 30, 1932, a second section of SH 97 was added from Rio Grande City to Hebbronville, with the possibility of these sections being connected in the future.

On March 13, 1934, the northern section extended to Stockdale, replacing SH 168.

[7] The southern stretch from Hebbronville to Rio Grande City and the section from Pleasanton to Floresville were cancelled on July 15, 1935.

[10][11] The highway was slowly constructed, initially between Stockdale and Fowlerton by 1939.

On July 31, 1942, a section of SH 72 between Fowlerton and Cotulla was added.