Per the NGS' updated description back in 1983 (note: it was originally monumented and described by the CGS in 1942, but those reference points are somewhat outdated):
"
THE MARK IS 27.4 KM (17 MI) NORTHWEST OF FT DAVIS ON MOUNT LOCKE AT THE MCDONALD OBSERVATORY. [...] THE MARK IS 29.9 METERS (98.1 FT) SOUTHWEST OF THE SOUTH ENTRANCE TO THE [main/oldest] TELESCOPE, AND 15.5 METERS (50.8 FT) WEST OF TRIANGULATION STATION MCDONALD (1942), 16.5 METERS (54.1 FT) NORTH OF THE CENTERLINE OF THE ROAD ON TOP OF A 1.4 X 1.0 METER ROCK THAT PROJECTS 0.5 METER ABOVE THE GROUND."
The NGS' 1983 description of the station's 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.
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Below are some additional facts, per the NGS database (with some editing for length): (
visit link)
BQ0296 ***********************************************************************
BQ0296 CBN - This is a Cooperative Base Network Control Station.
BQ0296 DESIGNATION - MCDONALD RM 1
BQ0296 PID - BQ0296
BQ0296 STATE/COUNTY- TX/JEFF DAVIS
BQ0296 COUNTRY - US
BQ0296 USGS QUAD - MOUNT LOCKE (1978)
BQ0296
BQ0296 *CURRENT SURVEY CONTROL
BQ0296 ______________________________________________________________________
BQ0296* NAD 83(1993) POSITION- 30 40 16.54894(N) 104 01 22.86154(W) ADJUSTED
BQ0296* NAD 83(1993) ELLIP HT- 2044.882 (meters) (04/03/92) ADJUSTED
BQ0296* NAVD 88 ORTHO HEIGHT - 2066.124 (meters) 6778.61 (feet) ADJUSTED
BQ0296 ______________________________________________________________________
BQ0296
BQ0296_MARKER: DR = REFERENCE MARK DISK
BQ0296_SETTING: 66 = SET IN ROCK OUTCROP
BQ0296_STAMPING: MCDONALD NO. 1 1942
BQ0296_MARK LOGO: CGS
BQ0296_MAGNETIC: N = NO MAGNETIC MATERIAL
BQ0296_STABILITY: A = MOST RELIABLE AND EXPECTED TO HOLD
BQ0296+STABILITY: POSITION/ELEVATION WELL
BQ0296_SATELLITE: THE SITE LOCATION WAS REPORTED AS SUITABLE FOR
BQ0296+SATELLITE: SATELLITE OBSERVATIONS - August 19, 2010
BQ0296
BQ0296 HISTORY - Date Condition Report By
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1942 MONUMENTED CGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1975 GOOD NGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1977 GOOD NGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1980 GOOD NGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1983 GOOD NGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1986 GOOD
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1988 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1988 GOOD NASA
BQ0296 HISTORY - 1989 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0296 HISTORY - 19940918 GOOD NGS
BQ0296 HISTORY - 19961007 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0296 HISTORY - 20030322 GOOD USPSQD
BQ0296 HISTORY - 20100806 GOOD GEOCAC
BQ0296 HISTORY - 20100819 GOOD GEOCAC