2026 Save Texas History Essay Contest
The Texas General Land Office invites submissions for its annual Save Texas History Essay Contest. Research essays will be accepted on any Texas historical person, event, place, group, or cultural tradition, however big or small, that helped shape Texas.
The contest is open to all age-appropriate 4th and 7th grade students in public, private, and home schools in Texas. One grand-prize winner from both grades will receive a gift card worth $500, courtesy of Chris Cantu of Kingsview Partners, and a free two-night stay in Austin at Hampton Inn & Suites University/Capitol.
Ten finalists, five from each grade, will receive $100 gift cards, courtesy of the Moses Austin Chapter of the Sons of the Republic of Texas. Additionally, all winners and finalists will receive a variety of prizes from the Texas General Land Office and Texas State Historical Association. Teachers of winning students will receive gift cards and complimentary prizes, as well.
For more information, contact essaycontest@glo.texas.gov, or visit Save Texas History Essay Contest
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD ENTRY FORM AND GUIDELINES
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Submission Deadline: April 1, 2026.
Grand prize winners and finalists will be announced on or after May 7, 2026.
Completed essays and entry forms should either be mailed to the GLO or submitted electronically below.
Submit completed essays and permission forms here:
The Texas General Land Office Save Texas History™ program is a statewide initiative to rally public support and private funding for the preservation and promotion of more than 35 million historic maps and documents. With the twin goals of preservation and education, the Save Texas History program seeks to conserve these documents for future generations and educate Texans about the rich heritage found in these vital records.
You can follow Save Texas History at facebook.com/SaveTXHistory, on YouTube at youtube.com/@SaveTexasHistory, and X at x.com/savetxhistory.