Per the NGS' two updated descriptions back in 1977 (note: it was originally monumented and described by the CGS in 1942, but those reference points are somewhat outdated):
"
16.95 MI NW FROM FORT DAVIS. ABOUT 15.05 MILES NORTHWEST ALONG STATE HIGHWAY 118 FROM THE COUNTY COURTHOUSE AT FORT DAVIS, THENCE 1.90 MILES SOUTHEAST ALONG SPUR 78 FROM ITS JUNCTION WITH 118, AT THE 82 INCH TELESCOPE AREA AT MCDONALDS OBSERVATORY, 43 FT. NORTHWEST OF A FLAG-POLE, 27 FT. NORTHWEST OF THE CENTER LINE OF THE SIDE-WALK, 53 FT. SOUTH OF THE FRONT ENTRANCE TO THE 82 INCH TELESCOPE BUILDING.
[...]
STATION MARK, STAMPED---MCDONALD 1942---, IS A STANDARD DISK CEMENTED IN A DRILL HOLE IN 2 BY 3 FOOT BOULDER THAT PROJECTS 10 INCHES ABOVE THE GROUND. IT IS 47.8 FEET SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF A RETAINING WALL OF THE 82-INCH DOME, 52.0 FEET NORTHWEST OF THE CENTER LINE OF A PAVED ROAD, 53.0 FEET SOUTH-SOUTHWEST OF THE CENTER OF THE DOORS OF THE 82-INCH DOME AND 22.5 FEET SOUTHWEST OF THE SOUTH EDGE OF A LOW STONE WALL."
Both 1977 descriptions of the station's markings, setting, and associated "distance/direction" reference points are relatively still good references for locating this station. More importantly (and more appropriately, given this day and age), the station's latest associated NGS Data Sheet's posted coordinates were in line with my own observations -- as measured within 15' accuracy due to overhead cover.
The station was recovered in decent condition, save for several scratches; see posted waymark's gallery images for BM close-up and setting details.
Also, please note that several -- but not all -- original reference marks for this triangulation station are listed on waymarking.com as well, including:
* BQ0296 - "MCDONALD RM 1" --> (
visit link)
* BQ0297 - "MCDONALD RM 2" --> (
visit link)
* BQ0298 - "MCDONALD RM 3" --> (
visit link)
* BQ0293 - "MCDONALD RM 4" --> marked as "not found" by USPSQD.
* CH8986 - "MCDONALD AZ MK" --> could not find in NGS database.
* CH8987 - "MCDONALD AZ MK 2" --> could not find in NGS database.
as well as:
* BQ0406 - "MCDONALD OBSERVATORY", the observatory itself --> (
visit link)
---
Below are some additional facts, per the NGS database (with some editing for length): (
visit link)
BQ0295 ***********************************************************************
BQ0295 DESIGNATION - MCDONALD
BQ0295 PID - BQ0295
BQ0295 STATE/COUNTY- TX/JEFF DAVIS
BQ0295 COUNTRY - US
BQ0295 USGS QUAD - MOUNT LOCKE (1978)
BQ0295
BQ0295 *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
BQ0295 ______________________________________________________________________
BQ0295* NAD 83(1993) POSITION- 30 40 16.77819(N) 104 01 22.34569(W) ADJUSTED
BQ0295* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT - 2067.162 (meters) 6782.01 (feet) ADJUSTED
BQ0295 ______________________________________________________________________
BQ0295
BQ0295_MARKER: DS = TRIANGULATION STATION DISK
BQ0295_SETTING: 66 = SET IN ROCK OUTCROP
BQ0295_STAMPING: MCDONALD 1942
BQ0295_MARK LOGO: CGS
BQ0295_STABILITY: A = MOST RELIABLE AND EXPECTED TO HOLD
BQ0295+STABILITY: POSITION/ELEVATION WELL
BQ0295_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
BQ0295+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - August 19, 2010
BQ0295
BQ0295 HISTORY - Date Condition Report By
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1942 MONUMENTED CGS
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1970 GOOD USAF
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1971 GOOD NGS
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1975 GOOD NGS
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1980 GOOD NGS
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1988 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0295 HISTORY - 1989 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0295 HISTORY - 19961007 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0295 HISTORY - 20030322 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0295 HISTORY - 20100806 GOOD GEOCAC
BQ0295 HISTORY - 20100819 GOOD GEOCAC