Texas Land Commissioner Dawn Buckingham has announced that the 2026 Save Texas History Essay Contest is now open for fourth and seventh-grade students statewide.
The competition invites young Texans to explore historical topics that shaped the state, with essays due April 1. It represents a key educational initiative of the Texas General Land Office’s Save Texas History program, which aims to preserve millions of historic documents while engaging the next generation in understanding their heritage.
The Save Texas History program oversees the preservation of over 35 million maps and documents.
“As a proud ninth-generation Texan, preserving Texas history is one of my top priorities,” said Commissioner Buckingham. “Every year, we encourage Texas students to contribute to this crucial task of safeguarding our past through the GLO’s Save Texas History Essay Contest.”
Grand prize winners in each grade will receive $500 gift cards from Chris Cantu of Kingsview Partners and a two-night hotel stay in Austin. Five finalists per grade will earn $100 gift cards from the Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Winners will also receive additional prizes from the GLO and the Texas State Historical Association.
Last year’s winners tackled diverse Texas traditions.
Fourth-grader Jack Clemons of Robinson Intermediate School wrote about cattle drives dating to the 1830s, noting that “Texas had an abundance of land and cattle, and longhorns and ranches had become an important part of the Texas economy.”
Seventh-grade winner Karsyn Mack explored barbecue culture, observing, “Texas barbeque is more than just food: It’s an experience.”
Buckingham emphasized the contest’s dual mission: “Challenging our youth to participate in research and writing essays rooted in the rich history of their unique Texas communities is a vital part of our mission to not only educate but also preserve the state’s many cherished stories, documents, and artifacts.”
Winners will be announced on or after May 7, 2026. Students and teachers can access contest requirements and resources through the GLO website or email [email protected] for questions.