2026 Save Texas History Essay Contest

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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 [StoryMap link to be provided].

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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.

 

Save Texas History Essay Contests Submission Forms:

 

Student / Guardian Submission 

Teacher Submission